Post Office Horizon Inquiry Volume 1 2025-07-08

Welcomes the release of volume one but raises concerns about the delays in compensation, calling for a clear response from the Government by 10 October on all 19 recommendations. Criticises oversight failures and asks about steps to address delays and ensure full compensation. Questions Fujitsu's role and its contribution to redress schemes.

The hon. Lady rightly gives me the opportunity to again pay tribute... She knows that Sir Wyn Williams is due to publish the second part of his report, which focuses on those very questions.

On behalf of our Committee, I welcome this report from Sir Wyn Williams... Does the Minister also accept that we must now, once and for all, strip the Post Office of any role in the Horizon shortfall scheme?

I want to take this opportunity again to pay tribute to the work of the Business and Trade Committee under my right hon. Friend’s chairmanship... I hope that we will be able to give confidence to those people that they will have a chance to get full and fair redress.

I thank the Minister for giving me advance sight of his statement... What conversations have the Government had with the Post Office and Fujitsu about restorative justice in the light of Sir Wyn’s recommendations?

Kate Osborne highlighted the role of Fujitsu in contributing to compensation and urged the Government to stop awarding contracts to Fujitsu, citing a specific HMRC contract worth £355 million. She also emphasised the moral obligation for Fujitsu to contribute towards the costs of the scandal.

As Minister, Gareth Thomas acknowledged the ongoing work on compensation schemes and highlighted that 100 police officers are investigating the scandal. He promised a pilot scheme with 150 cases for redress to victims and confirmed discussions with Fujitsu regarding interim payments.

Sir Andrew Mitchell questioned the effectiveness of Parliament in addressing such scandals, suggesting that state institutions should hold those responsible accountable. He highlighted his previous efforts to raise awareness about the scandal since 2020.

Siddiq pointed out that the scandal disproportionately affected people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. She questioned whether the report adequately addressed this disparity and urged the Minister to address it moving forward.

Law criticised the Government for not addressing compensation delays quickly enough and emphasised that victims continue to face an adversarial attitude from the Post Office. He quoted his previous statement on 'justice delayed is justice denied.'

Byrne stressed the need for transparency in identifying those responsible and highlighted historical cover-ups similar to the contaminated blood scandal, urging full enactment of laws like the Hillsborough law.

Lewis suggested looking at the experience of the compensation body dealing with contaminated blood scandals for better handling future disasters and ensuring more efficient delivery of compensation.

Commends the consistent campaigning on this issue and underlines Fujitsu's moral responsibility. Welcomes Fujitsu's acceptance of their obligation but emphasises the importance of Sir Wyn Williams' report for understanding the scale of responsibilities. Calls for an interim payment from Fujitsu.

Raises concerns about a constituent who has been unfairly dismissed due to the Horizon scandal and is still waiting for recognition and compensation. Asks the Minister what will be done to speed up the process.

Acknowledges Christine Jardine's point and offers reassurance that the publication of Sir Wyn Williams' report should encourage more victims to come forward with claims. Emphasises his determination to move forward on the specific case discussed.

Brings up a constituent, Janet Skinner, who has been struggling for 18 years for compensation after wrongful conviction. Asks the Minister to commit to solving these issues in months rather than years.

Agrees with David Davis' challenge and recognises that every victim waiting for compensation has waited too long. Acknowledges progress made over the last 12 months but commits to going further and faster.

Welcomes Sir Wyn Williams' report and criticises Post Office officials for their obstructionist tactics, leading to delays in providing necessary documentation. Calls for the removal of Post Office from the compensation process.

Recognises scepticism about Post Office's role but argues that removing them would delay compensation further. Acknowledges Sir Wyn Williams' recommendations and his 19 suggestions to go faster, with some needing more detailed review before action.