NTAs erupts into boos as Mr Bates star says ‘we still haven’t been paid’

Post Office scandal victim Jo Hamilton drew attention to the ongoing compensation struggle, revealing at the National Television Awards (NTAs) that they “still haven’t been paid”. While accepting the special Impact award for the ITV drama Mr Bates versus The Post Office, the former postmaster highlighted that “nothing has changed” since the advent of the new Labour government.

In her speech, she expressed gratitude towards her fellow colleagues and public support, stating: “I want to say thank you to all of my colleagues who are behind me, and without strength in numbers we wouldn’t have got to where we are. And the public got right behind us and changed, literally changed, everything.”

Her comments about the persistent lack of change under the new administration revealed in Westminster sparked a mixed reaction with cheers turning to gasps and boos after Jo announced: “What I would like you to know is I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new Minister. And trust me, nothing has changed.”

Highlighting the dire situation further, she disclosed: “It’s true. And almost all of these people behind me haven’t been paid yet. Out of a group of 555, more than 300 haven’t been paid yet including Sir Alan Bates.”

Jo then hinted at future actions, urging continued support: “But he has a plan. So when he gets back to the nation for help, please be there to support him. Thank you.”

The audience’s renewed cheers marked the departure of Jo and the Mr Bates vs The Post Office team, testament to the documentary’s profound effect on viewers, reports the Express.

Meanwhile, Toby Jones, who played the role of Alan Bates – a subpostmaster who initiated the court case in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, had a message for the government after the show won Best New Drama at the National Television Awards.

Accepting his award at the annual ceremony held at The O2 in London on Wednesday evening, the 58 year old actor expressed: “This means an awful lot, not just to me but to the extraordinary people who inspired our show.”

The four-part ITV drama shed light on the story of the faulty Horizon computer and the Royal Mail subpostmasters wrongfully accused of theft, reaching a national audience.

Following its airing, the government took steps to clear and compensate those affected.

Catch up with the NTAs on ITV and ITVX.