Trade union leader Bill Morris has been knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list.

The TGWU general secretary, who retires in the autumn, has been a critical friend of the government and an outspoken advocate of workers.

Jamaican-born Morris came to the country in his youth and has led the transport union since 1992.

He has also served as president of the TUC and on a number of public bodies.

As Britain's first black trade union general secretary, Morris has been a high profile ethnic minority figure and has spoken out regularly on race issues.

He successfully fought a battle with Home Office to scrap the system of food vouchers for asylum seekers and campaigned for a full judicial inquiry into the Stephen Lawrence murder.

Other knighthoods have been given to Ian Blair, the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and businessman John Gains, chief executive of John Mowlem and Co which has undertaken several government PFI projects.

Dr Ian Bogle, the chairman of the BMA, and George Brunwell, general secretary of UCATT, both receive CBEs today.

James Bond actor Roger Moore becomes Sir Roger and Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren becomes Dame Helen.

Glasweigan comedian Billy Connolly is awarded a CBE, as is actor Richard Briers.

From the world of music; pianist and television presenter Jools Holland is given an OBE, while Gordon Sumner - better known as Sting - becomes the higher ranking CBE.

As was widely trailed in last weekend's newspapers, England football captain David Beckham adds an OBE to his medal collection.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver receives an MBE - with food critic Loyd Grossman receiving and OBE for his work in promoting better hospital catering.