Free speech campaigner Toby Young has been awarded a peerage.

The director and founder of the Free Speech Union said he was "delighted" to take his place in the House of Lords next year.

A peerage has also been awarded to Nigel Biggar, a professor of moral and pastoral theology at Oxford University.

Prof Biggar has gained fame in recent years for speaking out against historic and contemporary criticisms of the British Empire.

Free Speech Union director Toby Young

Reacting to the announcement, Young wrote on social media: "Delighted that the work of the Free Speech Union has been recognised in this way -- and congratulations to our Chairman, Nigel Biggar, who's also been given a peerage.

"I look forward to working with the Leader of the Opposition on how to restore free speech to pride of place in our democracy and repair the damage

"Keir Starmer has done to this vital human right when she succeeds him as our next Prime Minister."

Young, who was nominated by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, joins Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Sue Gray and former deputy PM Thérèse Coffey in the nominations list.

Toby Young

Former housing minister who chaired Badenoch’s leadership campaign Rachel Maclean will also receive a peerage.

The Prime Minister has argued that the extra appointments are needed because Labour has fewer seats in the Upper House than the Conservatives.