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Post Office Update
22 February 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the Government's response to the Horizon scandal involving wrongful prosecutions of postmasters.
Action Requested
The Government will introduce new primary legislation to quash convictions and provide compensation to those wrongfully convicted, with progress made in determining the most effective approach and engaging stakeholders. The legislation aims to ensure prompt justice followed by rapid financial redress for victims across England and Wales, while working with other UK jurisdictions to align their approaches.
Key Facts
- The Prime Minister and MP announced a major step forward on 10 January regarding the Horizon scandal.
- The Government will introduce new primary legislation to exonerate and compensate victims of wrongful convictions from the 1990s onwards.
- Over the last 6 weeks, the Department for Business and Trade and Ministry of Justice have been working to determine an effective approach to this intervention.
- Criteria for quashing convictions include prosecutor identity, offence dates (to be confirmed), type of offences, contractual relationship with Post Office Ltd., use of Horizon system at the date of the offence.
- The Bill will legislate on an England and Wales basis; other UK jurisdictions will tailor their approaches locally but work with the UK to align compensation schemes.
- Financial redress includes interim payments of £163,000 within 28 days, up-front settlement offers topping up redress to £600,000 or individual consideration.
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