Sir Simon Hughes - knighthood for former Bermondsey MP

The Liberal Democrat, who was defeated by Labour's Neil Coyle at the general election last month, is thought to have declined a seat in the House of Lords.

Hughes served in Parliament for more than three decades, latterly as minister of state for justice in the coalition government.

He said: "This is a great surprise and it is very humbling to be in the company of such clearly worthy individuals.

"I just want to thank the people of Bermondsey and Southwark. They put their trust in me as their member of parliament for more than 32 years and for that I am truly grateful.

"This honour is a testament to the hard work of so many different people and belongs as much to them as to me."

An honorary knighthood has been awarded to Kevin Spacey as he reaches the end of his tenure as artistic director at The Old Vic in Waterloo.

Amanda Nevill, chief executive of the British Film Institute which runs BFI Southbank and the BFI IMAX, is awarded the CBE.

Margaret Lockwood-Croft, chair of the Marchioness Action Group founded after the 1989 Thames disaster near Southwark Bridge, receives the OBE for services to river safety.

Mark Baldwin, artistic director of the South Bank-based dance company Rambert, receives the OBE for services to dance.

Former Southwark Lib Dem councillor and planning committee chair James Gurling has received the OBE for political service.

Jenny Deeks, head of Coin Street family and children's centre in Stamford Street, receives the MBE for services to families and children.

She said said: "It is my team at Coin Street and achieving Ofsted Outstanding for our family and children's centre that I feel most proud.

"I have been fortunate to work with some great practitioners, amazing children and inspiring parents, carers and families over the years."

The MBE has also been awarded to James Bullar, head of nautical studies at the London Nautical School, for services to maritime education and voluntary service to maritime safety.