'Post Office scandal victims betrayed too often - voters will not forget'
No end to betrayals
Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal have been betrayed too often.
First, the sub postmasters’ legitimate complaints about the faulty IT system were ignored. They were then vindictively pursued through the courts by the Post Office management despite being innocent of wrongdoing.
Now they have been let down by a government which has failed to honour its commitment to deliver “full and fair” compensation.
Former Post Office boss, Henry Staunton, claims he was told by the Department for Business to stall making payments to let the government “limp into” the general election.
Ministers deny this is the case, but the Tories have form. Compensation to the victims of the infected blood scandal has also been delayed amid suggestions the Tories want to pass the expenditure on to the next government.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decadeThe Tories are clearly more interested in building a war chest for pre-election giveaways than addressing miscarriages of justice.
Voters will not forget nor forgive a party which cares more about its own survival than righting historic wrongs.
Inn trouble
Pubs are the linchpins of local communities in our towns, suburbs and villages.
They are not just places for a pint and a natter. They are venues for live music and quizzes, and meeting spots for sports teams.
Everyone should be alarmed that so many locals are closing down, 500 in the last year.
There are fears as many as 750 more could go the same way in this first half of this year.
Publicans are struggling to keep afloat in the face of soaring energy bills and business rates.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt should use next month’s Budget to support the industry.
If we want thriving communities, we need thriving locals.
Prince of Walls
Prince William has a £3million affordable housing plan for his land in Cornwall.
Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'The homes come with royal approval, but won’t cost a king’s ransom.