Time to give Alan Turing what he deserves

Alan Turing, creator of the Turing machine, cracker of the German Enigma codes that made him a war hero, has finally received a posthumous apology from the UK government, delivered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, after being shamefully treated and convicted for his homosexuality. This comes at the end of a strong petition asking for an official apology that was signed by the likes of Dr Richard Dawkins, writer Ian McEwan and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

Mr Brown, writing in the 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."

He said Mr Turing deserved recognition for his contribution to humankind.

In the statement he said: "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."

Yes he did. Alan Turing deserved no less than hero status for his achievements in a life cut short by criminally unfair treatment. Persecuting a person, regardless of status, for sexual orientation is unjust. Kudos to John Graham-Cumming, who started the petition, and to PM Brown and his government for taking this opportunity to give Alan Turing what he was due.