The 18th annual The Peoples’ Awards took place at the historic Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons, bringing together parliamentarians, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and community champions for an evening celebrating outstanding contributions to society.

Hosted by Dr Rupa Huq MP, the event honoured individuals and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to equality, diversity, and community development over the past year.

Organised by Luminary Networks, in partnership with Language Interpreters Ltd, Integration Foundation and The London Daily News, the awards recognise achievements across politics, healthcare, business, law, media, literature and public service. The ceremony highlighted the remarkable work of individuals who are shaping communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Speaking about the awards, L. George, Director of Luminary Networks, said:

“The Peoples’ Awards were created to celebrate individuals who go above and beyond in their fields and communities. Tonight’s honourees represent the very best of public service, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Their work strengthens our society and inspires future generations.”

The ceremony was compered by Sabah Sehgal, Director 2bees Marketing, who guided the evening’s celebrations as a distinguished panel of presenters, presented awards across a diverse range of categories.

Among this year’s distinguished award recipients were leaders from across politics, healthcare, business and the arts.

Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP received the Parliamentary Campaigner of the Year Award in recognition of her work in public service and her commitment to community initiatives and charitable causes.

The Government Backbencher of the Year Award was presented to Tony Vaughan MP, acknowledged for his work on human rights, public law, and advocacy for improvements in NHS services and local community development.

The Politician of the Year Award was awarded to Zack Polanski AM, Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, recognised for his leadership and the growing national profile of the party.

The International Politician of the Year Award was awarded to Urszula Zielińska, Member of the Polish Parliament, for her work on environmental protection and climate policy.

Meanwhile, Barry Gardiner MP received the Lifetime Achievement in Politics Award in recognition of his decades of public service and leadership on international climate change and biodiversity issues.

The awards also celebrated individuals from other fields.

The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Agnes Lawson, founder and CEO of MPA Coaching, recognised for building an innovative platform connecting students, companies, and property hosts.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Nehal Manubhai Virani, an accomplished real estate professional with more than fifteen years of leadership experience across property, travel and business services.

Healthcare excellence was strongly represented throughout the evening. Dr Ramya Venkatraman, a consultant in neurodevelopmental and neuro-disability paediatrics, received the Children’s Neurodevelopment Champion of the Year Award for her pioneering work supporting children and families.

The Medical Consultant of the Year Award was presented to Professor Long R. Jiao, an internationally recognised leader in hepatopancreatic-biliary surgery and Chair at The Royal Marsden Hospital and Imperial College London.

In the legal field, Steven Perian KC, a leading barrister specialising in complex criminal litigation and international arbitration, received the Lawyer of the Year Award.

Entrepreneurship and industry leadership were also honoured during the evening.

The Best Independent Healthcare Provider Award was presented to Ravenscroft Health, founded by Sachin Parab and Raja Challuri, in recognition of their work building a patient-focused healthcare organisation offering physiotherapy, GP services, diagnostics and specialist care across multiple clinics.

The Outstanding Achievement in Hospitality Award went to hospitality leader Naveen Sikka, recognised for his longstanding contribution to the industry.

In the literary world, Kiran Bhat, an Indian American author and multilingual writer, received the International Writer of the Year Award for his acclaimed global literary work.

The Luxury Culinary Excellence Award was presented to Ragasaan, a specialist event catering company known for delivering high-end events across the UK and internationally.

Finally, the Pharmacy of the Year Award was presented to Jade Pharmacy, Edgware, led by Deepak Agarwal, recognised for its outstanding community-focused healthcare service.

A hallmark of the Peoples’ Awards is its celebration of diversity and community impact. The event brought together leaders from across sectors and backgrounds, highlighting the UK’s multicultural and collaborative spirit.

As the evening concluded, attendees were reminded that the awards are not simply about recognition, but about inspiring continued service, innovation, and leadership.

The 2026 ceremony closed with a message of unity and gratitude to the partners, judges, organisers, and staff of the House of Commons who made the evening possible.

“Tonight we celebrate the power of community and the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to making a difference,” L. George said. “The Peoples’ Awards continue to shine a light on those who inspire change and strengthen society.”

The organisers confirmed that nominations for next year’s awards will open later this year, continuing the tradition of recognising excellence and service across the UK and beyond.