THEY'RE still spending tens of thousands of pounds trying to convince the HS2 people to bring high speed rail into Lime Street. But so far the charm offensive has hit the buffers.
Now Liverpool JMU has popped up with an initiative costing no more than a few bob: an honorary fellowship for HS2's chief executive, Simon Kirby (right) at July’s graduation ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral.
Given that Mr Kirby is already an LJMU graduate he’ll know the drill - and the city - as well as anybody. So can he be, ahem, persuaded to have a little word with his boss, George Osbourne, about Liverpool's campaign for a HS2 link? No one is saying. 
Honorary fellowships and degrees are
academia’s way of rewarding those they consider to be worthy persons of merit. So this year’s collection of recipients includes politicians, and people from the worlds of media, business, law and politics.
Among them BBC Director General Tony Hall, Councillor Gary Millar - for outstanding contribution to Liverpool city region and its
people - and Mersey MPs Frank Field and Louise Ellman.
The roll of honour also includes LEP and Peel Ports supremo
Robert Hough and Ann Marr, Chief Executive, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS.
Fellowships, says JMU, are given in recognition of outstanding achievement by an individual in a given field or profession. These individuals join a community
of Fellows who are closely associated with the work of the University and who play an active role in the life of LJMU.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill said: “The honorary fellows each represent a different profession and background and reflect the full range of disciplines within the university. They are all role models for our students and for our staff and I look forward to their participation in the life of the university through our fellowship.”
Who's getting a gong?
Robert HoughDr John Cater, Vice Chancellor of Edge Hill University and graduate of LJMU, for outstanding contributions to higher education
Louise Ellman MP for Liverpool Riverside for outstanding contribution to politics and support of the constituents of Liverpool
Frank Field MP for outstanding contribution to the Liverpool city region and its constituents
Judge Clement Goldstone QC for outstanding contribution to the law
Lord Hall of Birkenhead, Director General of the BBC, for outstanding contribution to media and entertainment
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Steve Hawkins, Chief Executive, Local Solutions, for outstanding contribution to charity services in Liverpool and across the North West
Robert Hough, Chair of the LEP for outstanding contribution to business and regeneration in the North West
Simon Kirby, Chief Executive of HS2 and graduate of LJMU for outstanding contributions to engineering and to regeneration
Ann Marr, Chief Executive, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS trust for outstanding contribution to the Health Service
Cllr Gary Millar (right) Britain’s first ever openly gay Lord Mayor, who is currently cabinet member for Business, Enterprise and Investment. He’s made a fellow for outstanding contribution to Liverpool city region and its people.
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