67 minutes ago ‘I’m a pain in the backside ... an awkward sod’: Alan Bates on love, justice and the Post Office scandal

He became a household name after ITV turned Britain’s biggest miscarriage of justice into a drama. He reflects on his fight for compensation, turning down an OBE – and getting married on Richard Branson’s island Sir Alan Bates is at home in Llandudno with his wife Suzanne. Or, as he puts it, Lady Suzanne. You might know him better as Mr Bates from the Post Office scandal. He is the man who refused to give up when the Post Office told thousands of subpostmasters that they were inept or corrupt rather than acknowledging they were victims of flawed Horizon computer technology and managerial mendacity. It resulted in the biggest miscarriage of justice Britain has known – more than 900 people convicted of theft or false accounting, 236 jailed, numerous family breakdowns and at least four suicides.For 20 years, few of us knew about the scandal. But gradually his campaign built up steam, thanks largely to his tireless work. In January, ITV turned it into a gripping docudrama, Mr Bates vs t...

Society

68 minutes ago Russia urged to act lawfully after video purportedly shows Australian man fighting for Ukraine captured

Dfat making inquiries about footage showing man who identifies himself as Oscar Jenkins, PM confirmsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government has urged Russia to adhere to international law obligations regarding prisoners of war, after a video purporting to show the Russian capture of an Australian man fighting for Ukraine on the war’s eastern front circulated online.The man, who identified himself as Oscar Jenkins, is struck several times and questioned roughly in Russian in the video, which was circulating on the messaging service Telegram. Nine newspapers, which broke news of the video, reported that the footage was first shared by the Russian journalist Alexander Sladkov. Continue reading...

Culture

97 minutes ago Kezia Dugdale 'checks surroundings' before holding wife's hand as she warns over 'fragile' LGBT rights

The former Scottish Labour leader made the revelation when discussing LGBT rights.

Events

2 hours ago What is DAZN, the global streaming service behind the sale of Australian pay

British platform is backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik and run by Shay Segev, former chef executive of gambling giant EntainGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe global sports streaming service DAZN has agreed to buy a majority stake in the Australian pay-TV giant Foxtel and its subsidiary streaming services Kayo, Binge and Hubbl.The $3.4bn deal, which is still subject to regulatory approval, could boost the international profile of Australian sport and provide a major windfall to DAZN, which remains relatively unknown in Australia. Continue reading...

Economics

3 hours ago People are only just realising why you shouldn't put Christmas trees in soil or sand

If you want to get the most out of your Christmas tree, there's a vital reason you shouldn't be putting it anywhere near soil or sand - and the reason may shock you

Politics

4 hours ago Roman Kemp replaces Jay Blades as host of The Repair Shop for Christmas Special

Jay, 54, was axed from the series which he has presented since it's very first episode in 2017, after he was charged in September with controlling and coercive of his estranged wife Lisa Zboze.

Politics

5 hours ago The symptoms of dementia families are being urged to look out for this Christmas

The health service said November figures revealed 499,068 people in England received a diagnosis - a jump of 19,416 in a year.

Politics

6 hours ago Four in 10 do not share William’s optimism on ending homelessness, poll suggests

Homelessness can take various forms, from rough sleeping to families being housed in temporary accommodation.

Politics

6 hours ago Final grants for pubs, pools and parks announced under community ownership fund

The scheme has closed early due to the state of the public finances.

Politics