Sir Alan Bates, the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, is to be honoured with an honorary doctorate from Coventry University.
This commendation recognises his steadfast commitment to rectifying the wrongful convictions of subpostmasters tied to the failures of the Post Office’s Horizon system.
An Unexpected Honour
Sir Alan Bates recently received news of the honorary doctorate unexpectedly. “I hadn’t expected this and it was very much a surprise,” he said, expressing his astonishment at the award.
“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,” Sir Alan added. His decision reflects his dedication to the cause rather than personal accolades.
Relentless Campaign for Justice
In 2017, Sir Alan led a group action in the High Court alongside 500 campaigners to expose the systemic failings of the Post Office’s Horizon accounting system. These failures had led to numerous subpostmasters being wrongfully accused of theft and fraud.
The Horizon system, which was supposed to streamline operations, instead caused catastrophic issues. Many innocent postmasters suffered undue stress, financial ruin, and wrongful convictions.
Recognition from Coventry University
Coventry University’s vice-chancellor, Professor John Latham, praised Sir Alan’s dedication. “Sir Alan has spent the last 20 years fighting one of the biggest injustices seen in this country for some time,” he said.
Professor Latham highlighted Sir Alan’s selfless nature, noting he never sought credit for himself. Instead, Sir Alan aimed to correct the wrongs done to hundreds of affected individuals.
This recognition serves as a beacon for students, encouraging them to pursue justice with resilience and collaboration,” added Professor Latham.
The Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance
Sir Alan founded the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) to address the wrongful convictions stemming from the Horizon system’s errors. This group has played a crucial role in seeking justice for those wronged.
The JFSA’s efforts have not only provided support to victims but also pressured the authorities to acknowledge and rectify the mistakes. Their work continues as they strive for comprehensive solutions and compensation for those affected.
Sir Alan’s Personal Commitment
Sir Alan, who was recently knighted for his services, remains committed to the cause. His knighthood and now honorary doctorate are testaments to his unwavering dedication.
Despite the accolades, Sir Alan remains focused on the larger goal. “However, this isn’t about me – this is about the group, what has happened and what still needs to happen now,” he emphasised. His words reflect his continued pursuit of justice for the subpostmasters.
Impact on Affected Subpostmasters
The wrongful convictions had a profound impact on the lives of many subpostmasters. The unjust accusations led to financial devastation and emotional distress for those involved.
With Sir Alan’s efforts, some semblance of justice has been achieved. However, the fight continues as many victims still await full compensation and restoration of their reputations.
This honorary doctorate not only honours Sir Alan but also sheds light on the ongoing struggle faced by the wrongfully convicted subpostmasters.
Sir Alan Bates’ recognition with an honorary doctorate underscores the significance of his quest for justice.
His relentless pursuit to clear the names of wrongfully convicted subpostmasters serves as an inspiration, highlighting the impact of dedication and resilience in addressing systemic injustices.