Menu
11/09/2009
Apology Over Gay Codebreaker's Treatment
Gordon Brown has issued an official posthumous apology for the treatment of Alan Turing, a gay man many regard as instrumental in Britain's World War II effort.
Computing pioneer Mr Turing was a government code-breaker based at Bletchley Park during the war, helping to crack Nazi messages.
In 1952 he was prosecuted for being homosexual and eventually underwent an experimental chemical castration.
Shunned by society and stripped of his government security clearance, Mr Turing took his own life two years later.
Today, the Prime Minister, responding to an online petition, apologised for the "appalling" treatment Mr Turing underwent.
Thousands added their names to the 10 Downing Street campaign, which was backed by computer scientist John Graham-Cumming, scientist Richard Dawkins and gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell.
Mr Brown, writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, said: "While Mr Turing was dealt with under the law of the time and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him.
"So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work I am very proud to say: we're sorry, you deserved so much better," said the PM.
Calls have been made for Mr Turing to be awarded a posthumous knighthood by the Queen.
However, Peter Tatchell said Mr Turing was just one of thousands convicted of 'gross indecency' for being gay, and should not just be "single-out" because he was famous.
A memorial statue to Mr Turing was unveiled in Manchester's Sackville Gardens eight years ago.
(PR/GK)
Computing pioneer Mr Turing was a government code-breaker based at Bletchley Park during the war, helping to crack Nazi messages.
In 1952 he was prosecuted for being homosexual and eventually underwent an experimental chemical castration.
Shunned by society and stripped of his government security clearance, Mr Turing took his own life two years later.
Today, the Prime Minister, responding to an online petition, apologised for the "appalling" treatment Mr Turing underwent.
Thousands added their names to the 10 Downing Street campaign, which was backed by computer scientist John Graham-Cumming, scientist Richard Dawkins and gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell.
Mr Brown, writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, said: "While Mr Turing was dealt with under the law of the time and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him.
"So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work I am very proud to say: we're sorry, you deserved so much better," said the PM.
Calls have been made for Mr Turing to be awarded a posthumous knighthood by the Queen.
However, Peter Tatchell said Mr Turing was just one of thousands convicted of 'gross indecency' for being gay, and should not just be "single-out" because he was famous.
A memorial statue to Mr Turing was unveiled in Manchester's Sackville Gardens eight years ago.
(PR/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2012
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
23 November 2007
Top Military Figures Slam Government On Treatment Of Forces
The Defence Secretary Des Browne has today hit back at criticism by former defence chiefs, saying morale among serving soldiers is "as high as it could be". Mr Browne said he had not heard those criticisms from serving soldiers and he was happy to be judged on his record.
Top Military Figures Slam Government On Treatment Of Forces
The Defence Secretary Des Browne has today hit back at criticism by former defence chiefs, saying morale among serving soldiers is "as high as it could be". Mr Browne said he had not heard those criticisms from serving soldiers and he was happy to be judged on his record.
21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
04 November 2004
Cancer treatment is 'top priority' for government
The Prime Minister has described cancer care as a "top priority" for the NHS and the government in a new Downing Street film. In a film released today on the Downing Street website, Mr Blair reiterated his administration's commitment to cutting the disease, claiming that investment into cancer services had reached £570 million last year.
Cancer treatment is 'top priority' for government
The Prime Minister has described cancer care as a "top priority" for the NHS and the government in a new Downing Street film. In a film released today on the Downing Street website, Mr Blair reiterated his administration's commitment to cutting the disease, claiming that investment into cancer services had reached £570 million last year.
25 September 2003
Government hails drug treatment for offenders
Offenders who complete Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) are far less likely to reoffend, according to Home Office research published today.
Government hails drug treatment for offenders
Offenders who complete Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) are far less likely to reoffend, according to Home Office research published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
