Sir Alan Bates, leader of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Coventry University.
- The honorary Doctor of Laws degree recognises Sir Alan’s efforts to address wrongful convictions tied to the Post Office’s Horizon system.
- In 2017, Sir Alan spearheaded a High Court action with 500 campaigners to expose systemic failings of the Horizon system.
- Sir Alan expressed his surprise at the honour, underscoring the collective nature of his achievements.
- Coventry University’s vice-chancellor praised Sir Alan for his passion, dedication, and determination, which serve as an inspiration to students.
Sir Alan Bates, who recently received a knighthood, is set to be awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a ceremony next week at Coventry Cathedral. This honour acknowledges his tireless work with the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA), which he founded to address the wrongful convictions related to the Post Office’s Horizon accounting system.
In 2017, Sir Alan led a group action in the High Court alongside 500 fellow campaigners. The action aimed to expose the systemic failings of the Horizon system, which had led to unjust accusations of theft and fraud against numerous subpostmasters. His efforts have helped bring to light the injustices suffered by those wrongfully accused.
Expressing his surprise at the recognition, Sir Alan, 69, remarked, ‘I hadn’t expected this and it was very much a surprise. My other half asked me “are you going to accept it?” and I said “I think I will” as I have turned down an awful lot of things. However, this isn’t about me – this is about the group, what has happened and what still needs to happen now.’
Professor John Latham, vice-chancellor of Coventry University, applauded Sir Alan for embodying qualities such as passion, dedication, and determination. ‘Sir Alan has spent the last 20 years fighting one of the biggest injustices seen in this country for some time. He has done so tirelessly, selflessly and with no desire to take credit for himself – he has simply wanted to do the right thing for hundreds of people who had been wronged,’ Professor Latham stated.
He added, ‘Our students should look at Sir Alan and feel inspired to achieve with the same levels of resilience, leadership and collaboration with others.’
Sir Alan Bates’s honorary doctorate underscores his significant contributions to justice and the subpostmaster community.
