Full Breakdown
MP Catherine Atkinson Channels Mail on Sunday Settlement into Derby Law Scholarship
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Context
In early July, the *Mail on Sunday* published a story claiming Labour MP Catherine Atkinson had concealed a private-school background, alleging she had misled constituents about her education. Atkinson, who attended the state-run Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith, corrected the journalists and the newspaper later issued an apology, paying damages and legal costs after her former lawyer threatened legal action.
Core Event: Settlement Funds Used for New Scholarship
Following the settlement, Atkinson announced that roughly £5,000 of the payout will seed the “Catherine Atkinson Future Lawyers Award.” The award will provide a £500 scholarship each year for at least ten years, targeting first-year law students who attended state schools in the city of Derby. The initiative is intended to reduce financial barriers for capable students entering the legal profession.
Official Statements & Responses
Atkinson emphasized the personal relevance of the grant:
- “I am grateful for the state-school education that helped me build a 17-year career as a barrister,” — Catherine Atkinson
University of Derby vice-chancellor Prof Kathryn Mitchell welcomed the support, noting the university’s commitment to “the transformative nature of education” and to “social mobility and inclusion” across the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am grateful for the state-school education that helped me build a 17-year career as a barrister,” — Catherine Atkinson — Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North
What’s Next
The Catherine Atkinson Future Lawyers Award will be open to eligible first-year law students from Derby’s state comprehensive schools beginning this academic year. Recipients will receive the £500 award annually, with the programme scheduled to continue for a minimum of ten years, subject to the availability of the settlement funds.
