Bates knighted for campaigning over Post Office scandal
POST Office campaigner Alan Bates and artist Tracey Emin are among those recognised in the Birthday Honours list.
Mr Bates now becomes Sir Alan after being knighted in recognition of his campaigning work that highlighted the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Emin, actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch are all made dames.
Singer Rebecca Ferguson, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, Countdown’s Susie
Dent and Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden are among the showbiz names to be made MBES.
More than 1,000 people from across the UK receive honours in the list.
Sir Alan, the founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, who was played by Toby Jones in an ITV drama about the scandal, said he was “honoured” by his knighthood.
The former subpostmaster, who previously rejected an OBE, said: “The time I was asked about the OBE ... I felt it would have been quite offensive to many of the group if I’d accepted it.
“But I’ve had hundreds of emails and letters of support over the years and a lot of people do seem to think I should receive some sort of recognition for the work I’ve done for them or on their behalf.
“I know I’m the recipient of it and all the rest of it, but it’s on behalf of the group as well – and recognition of the horrendous things that have happened to them and the story’s not over yet.”
Sir Alan said many people were “still suffering” and the campaigners would go back to the courts if necessary, adding: “If we need to raise the funding for doing such a thing, I’m sure the nation will support us.”
Dame Tracey, who is known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, said: “Dame Tracey has a good ring to it. I’m very, very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.”
Dame Imelda, 68, who starred as the Queen in The Crown and has also appeared in the Harry Potter films, said she was “thrilled” to be made a dame for
I’, the recipient but it’s on behalf of the group as well
her services to drama and charity.
She said: “I feel genuinely humbled to be recognised on the same level as the amazing actresses, all the great dames, who have led the way for so many of us.”
Dowden, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was 19, said being made an
MBE for raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease was “beyond my wildest dreams”.
Ms Dowden, an ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, said: “I accept it on behalf of all those who live with Crohn’s disease, and will continue campaigning to raise awareness for and research into this terrible chronic illness.”
Lexicographer Dent, who appears in Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, said she would celebrate her honour “on behalf of word lovers everywhere”.