James Thomson (1985) was appointed a CBE “for services to policing and inclusion” and Dr Jonathan Brewer (1973) an OBE “for services to global non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction”.

The Provost said: “I would like to congratulate our two alumni who were recognised in the New Year Honours list. Their inspirational work and service is truly exemplary.”

Thomson, a Geology graduate, is currently the chair of MJ Gleeson plc, the listed housebuilding company focusing on high-quality low-cost homes for first time buyers. He has also been a councillor for the City of London Corporation since 2013 and is a board member of the Serious Fraud office and City Bridge Foundation. He previously served as the chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, and is now the deputy chair.

Thomson has made a number of significant donations to Oriel College, including to fund a refurbishment of the dining hall, support a DPhil Law scholarship and establish a new bursary scheme. He is a member of Provost’s Court.

He said he is “truly surprised and humbled” to be awarded a CBE and added that “it reflects the support and hard work of many others over some 22 years supporting the City of London Police and elsewhere”.

Brewer, who is also a Geology graduate, is a visiting professor at King’s College London, where his research focuses on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its financing. He said he is “very pleased” that the award focuses on this subject.

Brewer, a consultant based in New York supporting UN Security Council resolutions on proliferation, was most recently the Acting Coordinator of a Panel of Experts established to assist the Security Council in monitoring and enforcing sanctions against North Korea. He is a member of the 1326 Society.