Internationalist: Ben Rogers
Ben Rogers has won the Internationalist Award, "for tirelessly campaigning on human rights issues, notably Burma which he has visited over twenty times".
Through his work with Christian Solidarity Worldwide and other organisations, Ben is a prominent human rights advocate. As a Conservative candidate in Durham in 2005 he surprised many left-leaning voters with his clear compassion and commitment to human dignity and freedom around the world. There aren't enough Conservatives in this field.
Click here for an archive of Ben's articles on ConservativeHome.
The nomination also recognised the ongoing work of the Conservative Party's Human Rights Commission, of which he was the founding Deputy Chairman (the Chairman is Stephen Crabb MP).
The other shortlisted nominees were Linda Whetstone of the International Policy Network for continuing the work of her late father, Sir Anthony Fisher, in helping spread freedom around the world through the active creation of a global network of think-tanks, and Philippa Broom for her work in the Conservative Party's international office, forging strong links with sister parties around the world.
* More than 8000 people voted on the 2008 ConservativeHome Movement Awards. The previous award announced was Culture Warrior, which went to Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team.
Well done Ben, your articles are always a great source of information for those of us who don't always have the time to follow global events as closely as we would like to. I, for one, appreciate reading them.
Posted by: Tony Makara | March 18, 2008 at 16:50
Well done Ben. Thoroughly deserved.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | March 18, 2008 at 16:56
Very well deserved Ben. You do magnificent work, and you and Stephen Crabb are turning the Human Rights Commission into an impressive and influential outfit.
Posted by: Simon Chapman | March 18, 2008 at 16:58
Very well deserved! Ben has done sterling work in this area.
Posted by: Woodentop | March 18, 2008 at 17:01
A thoroughtly deserved award for a tireless and brave campaigner.
Posted by: Adrian Owens | March 18, 2008 at 19:58
Friends,
I am extremely honoured and humbled by this award. While I greatly appreciate the personal encouragement given to me through the award, and the various comments here, I think the award carries with it a wider, more important message: that Conservatives believe and recognise that human rights and freedom are central to foreign policy; and that Conservatives recognise and applaud the brave people in those countries such as Burma who struggle, against huge odds and often risking their lives, for freedom and human rights. This award is their award - for the people for whom I campaign and advocate. They are the really brave ones, and the ones who deserve not just an award, but a victory over tyranny.
Posted by: Ben Rogers | March 18, 2008 at 20:21
Three cheers for the CPHRC and its members. I understand it is still unique amongst British political parties.
Posted by: Matt Kellett | March 19, 2008 at 09:38
Well done Ben. It was clear when we were at Royal Holloway together all those years ago that you had a great future in the Party. You have done much to help promote a more informed view of International Development in the Party. Congratulations.
Posted by: David Gold | March 20, 2008 at 08:03