87 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

1 hour ago Travel news live: Christmas getaway delays as snow hits M62 and trains, ferries and flights cancelled

RAC estimates 22.7 million drivers will hit the roads as people get away for Christmas

Events

1 hour ago Parents debate when they can finally stop giving adult children expensive Christmas gifts

Some people argue that 18 years old is the appropriate age to stop while others say the extravagent holiday gifts should always continue

Society

1 hour ago Scottish Government has not met kids mental health target once in 10 years

Freedom of Information Requests from the Scottish Lib Dems show that the mental health target has been missed for least 43,000 young people.

Politics

1 hour ago Homelessness crisis sees lifeline Scots shelter turn 20 people away each night

“We are not a hostel, we are not a hotel. We are literally an emergency life-saving mattress to allow somebody to get some warmth, some dignity, some food, some compassion.”

Events

2 hours ago Delicious gingerbread recipe loved by Prince George makes for a perfect last minute Christmas treat

The deliciously moreish gingerbread cookie recipe beloved by the royal family will be a staple of their festive celebration this year - and it's easier to recreate than you may think

Politics

2 hours ago A board game born in Mexican prisons is bringing together people from all walks of life

A board game with ancient roots that established a foothold nearly a century ago in Mexican prisons is spreading in popularity outside the walls and trying to shed the stigma of being merely a pastime for prisoners

Events

2 hours ago These people are all working on Christmas Day to keep the rest of us safe

Many will be sacrificing their own celebrations on December 25 to make sure the rest of us can enjoy ours

Politics

2 hours ago Scheme helps young people in or leaving care explore future job opportunities

A group of young people from Merthyr Tydfil visited Brecon Mountain Railway and Prince Charles Hospital

Politics

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