Story perspectives

Alan Bates Secures £5 Million Settlement in Horizon Scandal

11/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Alan Bates has settled his claim against the Department for Business and Trade for £4 million to £5 million related to the Horizon scandal.
Bates, a former subpostmaster, has campaigned for justice for around 1,000 individuals wrongfully prosecuted due to issues with the Horizon accounting software from 1999 to 2015.
Despite the settlement, Bates expressed skepticism about achieving criminal convictions, noting that justice may take a long time.
Approximately 100 subpostmasters are still awaiting settlement, and the Department for Business and Trade acknowledged Bates' advocacy for victims.

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Story summary

Sir Alan Bates has settled his claim against the Department for Business and Trade for £4 million to £5 million related to the Horizon scandal.
Bates, a former subpostmaster, has campaigned for justice for around 1,000 individuals wrongfully prosecuted due to issues with the Horizon accounting software from 1999 to 2015.
Despite the settlement, Bates expressed skepticism about achieving criminal convictions, noting that justice may take a long time.
Approximately 100 subpostmasters are still awaiting settlement, and the Department for Business and Trade acknowledged Bates' advocacy for victims.