Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock spoke of the “great thrill” of being honoured by Glasgow Caledonian University.

Lord Kinnock, 67, was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters for his “outstanding contribution to politics and the promotion of international understanding”.

He was leader of the Opposition between 1983 and 1992 and was UK Commissioner of the European Commission from 1995 until 2004. He also chaired the British Council.

“It is a great thrill,” he said.

“I have known Pamela Gillies, the vice-chancellor over a number of years. She is a woman I hugely admire, so when she invited me to come here not only was it an honour, it was a great pleasure.

“It’s fulfilling for me. I’d be a fool if I didn’t admit to being flattered by an invitation from a university with the strength of this university to become an honorary member and accept an honorary doctorate.”

He praised the “reach, strength and supporters” of the institution, which was given university status in 1993.

“The big benefit is not because of me but because of the other graduates that the university gets,” he said.

“That says to the people in general this is a university on the advance, and it says to potential undergraduates this is a university worth coming to.”

Lord Kinnock was admitted to the university during Glasgow Caledonian’s graduation ceremony in the city’s Royal Concert Hall.

Also honoured were retired soldier and former chief executive of sportscotland Brigadier Allan Alstead, who became an honorary doctor; entrepreneur and philanthropist Azeem Ibrahim, who was given an honorary doctorate of letters; and psychologist Professor Ian Deary, who was given an Alumni Achievement Award.

Professor Pamela Gillies, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “Glasgow Caledonian University is delighted to welcome these civic-minded, global citizens into our distinguished family of honorary graduates.

“Each has a remarkable record of achievement in business and public life, and they are an inspiration for our graduates and students.”