Post Office campaigner and AI pioneer among those honoured by Exeter University

A campaigner who spent decades uncovering the Post Office Horizon scandal is among a high-profile group being awarded honorary degrees by the University of Exeter this week.

Sir Alan Bates, founder of the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance, will be recognised for his work alongside AI entrepreneur Andrew Ng, BBC journalist Ros Atkins, and Professor Penny Endersby, chief executive of the Met Office.

Also honoured will be former Exeter MP the Rt Hon Sir Ben Bradshaw, former health secretary the Rt Hon Sir Sajid Javid, and Green Party figurehead Caroline Lucas.

Sir Alan said: “I feel very honoured to accept this Honorary Degree from Exeter. Whilst it is many years since I have lived and worked in Exeter, I am well aware of the important work the University of Exeter Law School has undertaken to investigate the impact on the mental health of victims and the families of subpostmasters involved with the Post Office Horizon scandal.”

Sir Ben said: “I feel hugely honoured to have been recognised in this way by University of Exeter. The university was a vital partner during my 27 years as Exeter’s MP in helping deliver the growth and economic success of our city, its global reputation and transforming the life chances of local young people through its spearheading and leadership role in Exeter’s Ted Wragg Trust, which has delivered huge improvements in attainment in Exeter secondary schools.”

Professor Endersby said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to receive this honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter. Exeter has a fine reputation as one of the best places in the UK to research and study all aspects of climate, environment and sustainability, with increasingly global standing.

“As one of our Met Office Academic Partners they make an active and valued contribution to our research. Working together we have generated a hub of environmental expertise in the South West leading to many strong collaborations such as the recent Exeter Climate Forum. I look forward to meeting the many brilliant graduands and to seeing the University go from strength to strength as we continue our partnership.”

Graduation ceremonies are being held across two weeks and will see 6,348 students from 118 countries complete their studies in front of more than 15,000 guests.

Others receiving honorary degrees include entrepreneur and philanthropist Erika Brodnock MBE, Advocates for International Development chief executive Yasmin Batliwala MBE, former chair of the University of Exeter Council Sarah Turvill, writer Cheryl Morgan, and arts consultant Pippa Warin.

Sir Sajid said: “I’m deeply honoured to return to the University of Exeter, where I first began to shape my path over three decades ago. My time here gave me not only knowledge, but confidence and lifelong friendships. To now receive this honorary degree is a moment of real pride and reflection.”

Caroline Lucas said: “I’m very grateful for this honour. The fact that the work I’ve been doing for so many years in green politics has been recognised in this way by the University of Exeter is really heartwarming. It’s a huge pleasure and privilege to return to the university where I began my career and to receive this honour from them.”

Pippa Warin, who played a key role in Exeter’s UNESCO City of Literature designation, said: “I am delighted to be receiving this honorary degree and value the University of Exeter’s recognition of people with diverse experiences and achievements. For me, this award is also a tribute to the amazing people I have worked and collaborated with over the years, in my wide-ranging roles in the arts and cultural sectors.”

Erika Brodnock said: “Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Exeter is an immense privilege and deeply humbling. As someone passionate about creating inclusive systems and driving meaningful change, this recognition from such a forward-thinking institution is profoundly affirming. I am grateful to be celebrated this way and hope it inspires others from historically under-represented backgrounds to pursue their goals unapologetically.”

Yasmin Batliwala said: “It means so much to be recognised by a community whose values and spirit I admire. As someone who has worked to widen access to justice for many years, this moment is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

Professor Lisa Roberts, president and vice chancellor of the university, said: “It is always so special to celebrate the amazing achievements of our graduating students with their loved ones, and wish them well as they embark on the next stage of their lives. I would like to congratulate every one of our fantastic students who are graduating this year.

“We are also looking forward to celebrating the impact and achievements of our honorary graduates, who have made such an important contribution to society. Their work is truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating with them.”