Sir Alan Bates has received an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University
It's for his campaign work against the Post Office Scandal.
Last updated 19th Nov 2024
Sir Alan Bates, the campaigner at the centre of the Post Office Scandal, has received an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University today.
Sir Alan, who received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list, has been the driving force behind hundreds of former postmasters and mistresses fighting to clear their names after being wrongfully convicted in the Post Office scandal.
He founded the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) and in 2017 more than 500 subpostmasters led by Sir Alan brought a group action in the High Court to expose the truth behind what was wrong with the Post Office’s Horizon system and it was this that led to the criminal convictions being overturned.
The Alliance’s efforts rose to prominence when the 2024 television series Mr Bates vs The Post Office shone a spotlight on one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history.
The group also first met to start fighting the issue at Fenny Compton in 2009.
Speaking to us today, Sir Alan said: "It's really not just for myself but for the whole group.
"It's just something that adds another string to our bow in taking our campaign forwards.
"It came out of the blue, a very pleasant surprise. I'm sure they have their reasons for offering it!"
Alan received the honour at Coventry Cathedral this afternoon.