Agrees with Marion Fellows that the Post Office has a difficult culture of secrecy, highlighted by the ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office'. This culture led to sub-postmasters being othered and not listened to or respected.

Supports the view that following financial figures is a good approach. In 2023, the central cost of administering the Post Office increased by 10%, while money going to sub-postmasters decreased by 2%. Reversing this trend would indicate genuine cultural change.

Acknowledges concerns about the original Horizon shortfall scheme but notes that in the new group litigation order scheme, out of 58 claims received, 41 have been accepted without needing a reference to an independent panel. This suggests that offers made are fair.

Raises the point that promoting from within and maintaining secrecy may be part of the problem, as seen in Ron Warmington's initial investigation into the Horizon scandal.

Addressed interventions about the need for a methodology to support families of those who took their own lives due to the Post Office scandal, clarified that people are free to discuss non-disclosure agreements as they feel appropriate, and highlighted broader concerns about the closure of post offices.

Critiqued the Government's handling of the Horizon scandal, emphasised Fujitsu's role in the problem, questioned the Post Office's response to identified errors, criticised the legal approach taken by the Post Office, and called for swift action from the UK Government to ensure innocent victims receive appropriate compensation.

Today’s debate is extremely timely and important. It highlights the harrowing cases from across the UK where innocent sub-postmasters were wrongly accused, investigated, and prosecuted by the Post Office due to flaws in the Horizon accounting system. The scandal has devastated lives, led to suicides, and seen people wrongfully imprisoned. There needs to be a thorough investigation into who knew about these issues, including the Government, Fujitsu, and the Post Office itself.

The hon. Gentleman is rightly making a typically impassioned speech. I have been very careful throughout the whole time I have been involved in this matter, which is over four years, as a Back-Bencher and a Front-Bencher, not to play any kind of party politics with it. I put it on the record that the issues occurred under a series of Governments: the Labour Government, the coalition Government and the current Government.

Order. Before we proceed, I heard what the hon. Member for Wansbeck said, and I heard the Chairman of Ways and Means’ admonition of another hon. Member earlier. The difference in this case is that the hon. Member for Gloucester was here for the start of the speech. That said, I personally believe that there is a prerequisite for Members, whenever they can, to be in from the start of a debate and to hear the whole debate.

I begin by thanking the hon. Member for Motherwell and Wishaw for securing today’s debate. This has been a shocking and heartbreaking sequence of events. Nobody could fail to be moved by the testimony of the countless families affected by this scandal. I will focus on one specific issue today: the pervasive use of non-disclosure agreements by Post Office management. For example, a recent report highlighted the distressing case of Martin Griffiths, who managed a post office for 18 years before tragically taking his life after spending £100,000 of his own money to meet accounting shortfalls.

Supports the case for justice, fairness and equality in the Post Office management culture. Commends the Minister's work on this issue over two years. Emphasises the critical role of post offices in rural communities lacking bank branches or ATMs, serving as a lifeline for financial transactions and social engagement. Highlights concerns about online banking leaving older and vulnerable people behind due to lack of reliable internet access. Expresses grief over individuals who lost their lives or faced prison terms due to false accusations from the Horizon scheme. Advocates for adequate compensation for those affected and improved management culture in the Post Office, including better support for sub-postmasters and mistresses. Raises issues about low morale among staff and unaffordable wages that discourage younger people from taking up post office jobs.

It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Strangford. I thank and commend my hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw for securing today’s debate, highlighting her efforts since 2015 on this issue. She deserves credit for raising awareness about Post Office injustices. The importance of addressing such issues is paramount, even if it takes time. Praise goes to the Minister for his actions in driving forward redress. Hundreds of working people had their lives ruined due to incorrect information from the failed Horizon computer system. More than 900 sub-postmasters and postmistresses were prosecuted based on this flawed system data. Questions remain about the Post Office’s response when issues with the system were initially raised, and there is a call for Fujitsu to accept responsibility. Concerns also arise over the use of NDAs by the Post Office and the need for transparency. The importance of post offices in communities means that their management must support them rather than hinder them. There are fears that cultural changes have not fully occurred within the Post Office, with some sub-postmasters still closing businesses due to insufficient terms. Issues named after Scottish towns like Dalmellington bug and Callendar Square bug were flagged but action was delayed. Lessons must be learned to ensure future concerns are addressed promptly by all Governments.

Thanked the hon. Member for Motherwell and Wishaw for her work on the scandal, acknowledged contributions from various Members, and emphasised that this is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in the country. She highlighted the suffering endured by wrongly accused sub-postmasters, including unjust prison sentences, family breakdowns, and mental health toll. The speaker called for a culture change within the Post Office, especially addressing those who were involved during the scandal's peak. She also addressed issues such as non-disclosure agreements silencing victims and the need for improved parliamentary scrutiny to prevent future scandals. Finally, she urged the Minister to outline steps for reforming the Post Office and restoring trust in its management.

Payed tribute to the hon. Member for Motherwell and Wishaw and others involved in the Post Office scandal debate. Emphasised the importance of a positive management culture at the Post Office, stating it is paramount to the health of any organisation. Welcomed the opportunity to discuss the governance issues arising from the scandal. Stressed that today’s Post Office is different but acknowledged the need for ongoing change and trust restoration. Highlighted steps taken by the current leadership, including structural reforms with non-executive director postmasters on the board, creation of a postmaster experience director role, improved training packages, hiring more area managers, and increased branch profitability focus. Discussed compensation measures introduced, such as fixed sum awards for overturned convictions and GLO claims. Mentioned ongoing work to address compensation delays and ensure fairness in the Horizon shortfall scheme. Reiterated commitment to truth and accountability through the Post Office Horizon inquiry. Addressed governance concerns, noting recent changes made regarding the chairmanship of the Post Office.

Asked about constituency breakdowns of those affected by the scandal and suggested reaching out to sub-postmasters beyond just those prosecuted for assistance in righting wrongs. Emphasised the need to make opportunities available to all, not just the familiar or proactive.

Acknowledged contributions from fellow Members like Ronnie Cowan, Ian Lavery, Sarah Green, and Jim Shannon. Noted the difficulty faced by sub-postmasters who have been affected by the Horizon scandal or Post Office Ltd operations. Emphasised the necessity for the CEO to engage directly with postmaster organisations, expressing concerns over the lack of progress in addressing their issues.