Jo Hamilton issues new call for support in powerful Mr Bates NTAs speech
Hamilton spoke while collecting the Impact Award for ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Jo Hamilton, one of the subpostmasters and victims of the Post Office scandal, has called on the public for renewed support for those affected while making a speech at the National Television Awards.
Hamilton was on stage alongside other subpostmasters, as well as the cast and crew of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, as they accepted the Impact Award, recognising the drama's real-world impact.
The drama notably led to a renewed media interest in the scandal and a widespread outcry for justice, with the then-prime minister Rishi Sunak announcing that the government would quash the wrongful convictions, and introducing legislation to do so.
However, as part of her speech Hamilton said: "What I want you to know is that I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister. And trust me, nothing has changed."
Hamilton continued: "Almost all of these people behind me haven’t been paid yet and out of the group of 555, more than 300 haven't been paid yet, including Sir Alan Bates.
"He has a plan. So when he comes back to the nation for help, please be there to support him."
Read more:
- Mr Bates and Luther stars join Shetland guest cast for season 9
- Mr Bates star Will Mellor meets real-life victims in Surviving the Post Office
In response to the speech, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "We recognise the immeasurable suffering postmasters have endured and that they have waited too long to receive redress.
"That's why we are working tirelessly across government to bring them some relief with full, fair and swift redress."
Toby Jones, who played Alan Bates in the drama, also took home an award on the night, winning the Drama Performance title for his work in the series, while the show picked up the award for New Drama too.
A documentary, titled Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact, aired just days ago on Monday 10th September, looking at the effect the series had after it first aired.
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Hamilton was among those featured in the documentary, along with Bates, Jess Uppal and Noel Thomas, as well as other subpostmasters who were also affected and have come forward in the wake of the drama's success.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office is available to watch on ITVX.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
