Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

English test scandal students to pitch TV drama similar to 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office'

The overseas students hope that dramatising their stories will not only bring their struggle to light but also underscore the systemic flaws within the Home Office’s handling of the English language test scandal

English test scandal students to pitch TV drama similar to 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office'

Inspired by the success of the TV drama "Mr Bates vs the Post Office," a group of international students, unjustly accused of cheating by the Home Office, are creating a television drama pitch to shine a spotlight on their prolonged struggle for justice, mirroring a similar unresolved issue and scandal that has escaped the public's and politicians' attention for nearly a decade.

This initiative represents their final effort to garner widespread awareness about their plight, which ensued following the Home Office's decision to revoke approximately 35,000 visas over alleged cheating.


At the heart of their campaign is Nazek Ramadan, the director of a charity Migrant Voice, who has been at the forefront of advocating for these students since 2017, The Guardian reported.

Ramadan has initiated writing workshops for the students, offering them a platform to share their harrowing experiences in the hopes of eliciting empathy and support from the public.

The group draws inspiration from the success of dramatising the Post Office scandal, hoping to reveal the profound injustices they have endured.

Ramadan's encounter with the affected students began in 2017, leading to a revelation of the impact the cheating allegations had on their lives.

INSET Mr Bates vs The Post Office The ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office'

The stigma of being labelled cheaters led to social ostracisation, family disowning them, and shattered dreams, despite many of the accused having no reason to commit fraud.

The partnership between Migrant Voice and legal experts has yielded positive results, leading to more than 3,700 students overturning the allegations through successful appeals.

However, the fight for justice continues, with the hope that dramatising their stories will not only bring their struggle to light but also underscore the systemic flaws within the Home Office's handling of the English language test scandal.

Navjot Kaur, a 33-year-old student from Amritsar, India, is among those eager to transform their personal ordeal into a compelling drama.

Kaur's aspirations of a career in tourism management, and later as an air hostess, were derailed by the baseless allegations, illustrating the profound impact of the scandal on individual lives.

The TV drama of "Mr Bates vs the Post Office," which highlighted the miscarriages of justice due to faulty accounting software, serves as a blueprint for the students.

By paralleling their experiences with this well-documented case, they aim to capture the attention of drama commissioners and the wider public, making a compelling case for the urgent redressal of their grievances and the broader implications of such miscarriages of justice.

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less