The Post Office Horizon scandal that emerged in the late 1990s has had a harrowing impact on the lives of so many sub-postmasters and their families. It recently gained much deserved public attention following the ITV drama, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office.
Many constituents have asked me what the Government is doing about this incredibly serious matter. I can assure readers that the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Post Office, Kevin Hollinrake, are making the issue a priority.
The Government is working to speed up the flow of compensation and address the wrongful convictions that resulted from the faulty software.
So far 95 of the over 900 convictions have been overturned. However, some victims have been reluctant to apply to have their convictions overturned, having understandably decided that they have been through enough.
The Government has committed to making sure all these convictions are overturned via legislation later this year, meaning victims do not need to wait years and years for the justice they deserve. Once this legislation is passed and convictions have been quashed, individuals will be entitled to at least £600,000 in compensation to rebuild their lives.
The blanket exoneration will overturn hundreds of convictions, brought about thanks to erroneous Horizon evidence, clearing the names of so many people who have had their lives ruined.
There is also the ongoing Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. This is an independent public inquiry established to gather a clear account of the implementation and failings of the Horizon IT system at the Post Office over its lifetime.
This inquiry will continue with its vital work and provide a full public record of how this miscarriage of justice was able to take place.
I agree with those who are calling for any delays and bureaucracy to be minimised. The sub-postmasters deserve answers after so much injustice.
To date, nobody at the Post Office or Fujitsu, who created the software, has been held directly accountable. It is important that those responsible are held to account.
I have also written to the Minister detailing the concerns of so many people across Cannock Chase. It is important that the Government understands how strongly people feel about this miscarriage of justice and do not delay in resolving it.
If you have any concerns or queries on this, or any other matter, please do get in touch with me by emailing me [email protected] or calling 01543 877142.
