Leading human-rights lawyer David Pannick QC has been appointed to the House of Lords. He has been made a life peer and will sit on the cross benches, the place for those who do not represent a political party.

"I'm very excited," Mr Pannick, 52, tells People. "Part of my role will be to contribute to debates on human-rights issues and play a part in committees in helping to ensure that draft legislation meets high standards of legality."

Recognised as one of the "stars at the bar", Mr Pannick - who will have to get used to Lord Pannick -- will continue in practice at the bar. A barrister at Blackstone Chambers, he has represented clients from the Chief Rabbi to the Queen. Last week, he was at the High Court representing Debbie Purdy, a woman suffering from multiple sclerosis who is seeking to clarify the law on assisted suicide.

He also acts for former Northern Rock shareholders, who claim the compensation they received when their shares were nationalised was unfair and so unlawful.

A father-of-five, Mr Pannick is chairman of the British Friends of the Hebrew University Legal Group. He lives in Radlett, Hertfordshire.