When one man stands up

Sir Alan Bates gets an honorary degree from the University of Exeter

On Friday, I had one of those moments which working on the Post Office Scandal has gifted to me. I did the oration for Sir Alan Bates’ Honorary Doctorate in Law ceremony.

You can watch my proposal here (1’14”24s) and the reception he got at 1’21”20s. The film captures something of the warmth. The applause went on. And on. And on.

And then one man stood up, off to the left out of shot of the camera, and then half a dozen, and then a dozen, and then… Well, you can work it out, I am sure. It was very special indeed.

And after Sir Alan’s speech (1’22”55s) - as well-judged as it was short, with one simple message for all the students, which is harder than it looks sometimes. “Be honest to yourself and hold on to the truth, because one day, it will come out.”

And afterwards a lunch: he, and his wife, Lady Suzanne Bates, made a point of remind us that it really was not all about him. It was about the entire group of postmasters and all those who had supported them. Many worked away selflessly in the background. Helping each other. For years and years. Still doing so.