Born 1930, died in June 2010. Was an ex-coalminer and special professor in the Department of Adult Education, Nottingham University, and chairman of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation as well as editor of The Spokesman. From 1989 to 1999 he was a member of the European Parliament, including five years as President of its Human Rights Subcommittee.
Coates has written and edited numerous books on poverty, political philosophy, democratic and human socialism, social and economic issues, peace and disarmament as well as on democracy and human rights. Among them is "Essays on Socialist Humanism" in honour of Bertrand Russell.

Ken Coates joined TFF when it was established, in 1985.