Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has apologised for his "poorly judged" and "terse" refusal to meet campaigner Sir Alan Bates for five months during his time as postal affairs minister.Sir Ed, who was in the role between 2010 and 2012, said he dismissed the meeting proposal because he "followed the advice and did not question it".

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has apologised for his "poorly judged" and "terse" refusal to meet campaigner Sir Alan Bates for five months during his time as postal affairs minister.Sir Ed, who was in the role between 2010 and 2012, said he dismissed the meeting proposal because he "followed the advice and did not question it".