Quakers honour campaigner and cardiologist with Truth and Integrity Award
Two people whose lives exemplify courage, honesty and the pursuit of justice have been honoured with the 2025 Quaker Truth and Integrity Award.
This year's award is shared by climate justice and human rights campaigner Phil Laurie and Peter Wilmshurst, a cardiologist whose work on ethical practice and transparency has reshaped medical research.
Established by the Quaker Truth and Integrity Group (QTIG) in 2023, this year's awards were presented at Quaker central offices, Friends House, Euston, on 14 October.
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Their commitment to truth has changed lives and strengthened trust in society
- QTIG spokesperson
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It comes at a time when public trust in institutions is faltering, and when truth is increasingly distorted or drowned out by misinformation, especially on social media.
Peter Wilmshurst dedicated his career to upholding the highest standards of truth in medical research.
In the 1980s, he exposed life-threatening flaws in a cardiac drug, amrinone, leading to its worldwide withdrawal.
More recently, he has challenged misleading claims in experimental transplantation procedures, consistently exposing conflicts of interest and protecting patients.
His work has influenced policy and inspired a generation of medical professionals to put integrity at the heart of research and practice.
Phil Laurie's activism is grounded in his Quaker faith. Through peaceful protest and public engagement, he has brought global injustices, from the climate emergency to human rights in Palestine, to national and local attention.
His advocacy for the right to protest, including challenging injunctions in court, has created space for others to speak truth to power.
A former senior engineer with Transport for London, Phil took early retirement to dedicate more time to environmental action.
In 2023, he co-founded Quaker Support for Climate Action, a network enabling Quakers to build resilience and solidarity in responding to the climate crisis.
A QTIG spokesperson said: “Both Phil Laurie and Peter Wilmshurst demonstrate what it means to live with integrity in the face of immense pressures.
“Their commitment to truth - whether in public life, activism, or science - has changed lives and strengthened trust in society."