Pro-life students should be “brave and courageous” in speaking out for their beliefs, a former Student Union president who was removed for her views has said. Katie Ascough, who was impeached as president of the University College Dublin Student Union, said the atmosphere of conformity at universities could be "suffocating", but speaking out was "absolutely worth it". She was speaking after receiving the Westminster Award in London. The award recognises "extraordinary and notable work and achievements that safeguard the dignity and right to life of human beings". Previous winners have included Chen Guangcheng, a Chinese human rights lawyer who challenged the country’s one-child policy, and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow of the charity Mary’s Meals.