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Post Office Horizon Scandal

22 February 2024

Lead MP

Kevin Hollinrake

Debate Type

Ministerial Statement

Tags

EconomyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 17

At a Glance

Kevin Hollinrake raised concerns about post office horizon scandal in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Government Statement

EconomyBusiness & Trade
Government Statement
Kevin Hollinrake, addressing the House as a Back Bencher, acknowledged his commitment to compensation for victims affected by the Horizon scandal since March 2020. He reported that £160 million had been paid out in financial redress to over 2,700 victims as of this month. Overturned convictions have led to payments and settlements with various schemes receiving applications and offers of compensation. The minister emphasised the priority of ensuring swift and fair compensation, introducing optional fixed-sum awards for victims with overturned convictions or those involved in group litigation orders. He also highlighted ongoing work on legislation related to overturning convictions associated with Post Office's prosecutorial behaviour and Horizon evidence.

Shadow Comment

Kevan Jones
Shadow Comment
Kevan Jones expressed disappointment that the Minister did not address overturned convictions during his statement. He criticised the Secretary of State for Business and Trade’s performance on Monday, indicating a need to discuss overturned convictions further in the House. Jones questioned the Post Office chief executive's letter opposing overturning convictions and asked about potential instructions from higher-ups. He also urged the inclusion of those affected by Capture scandal in both compensation schemes and among those with overturned convictions. Jones requested an assurance for swift implementation of recommendations made to simplify and speed up the compensation scheme, alongside a commitment to provide an oral statement on Monday regarding written ministerial statements at 12 o'clock.
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