← Back to Westminster Hall Debates

Post Office Ltd: Management Culture

13 July 2023

Lead MP

Marion Fellows
Motherwell and Wishaw
SNP

Responding Minister

Kevin Hollinrake

Tags

Business & Trade
Word Count: 12709
Other Contributors: 6

At a Glance

Marion Fellows raised concerns about post office ltd: management culture in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Marion Fellows called on the Government to provide assurances that scandals will cease, for a proper support system for sub-postmasters, and asked for a detailed plan regarding the post office network. She also requested information about when the Government was made aware of disclosure issues and what discussions have been had with Post Office Ltd.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

Motherwell and Wishaw
Opened the debate
Marion Fellows expressed deep concern about the management culture at Post Office Ltd, citing numerous scandals including the Horizon IT scandal and compensation schemes that are unfair to sub-postmasters. She highlighted issues such as inadequate compensation for sub-postmasters, secrecy, cover-ups, and incompetence in the management of Post Office Ltd. The lead MP also criticized the ongoing bonus payments to executives despite unresolved cultural issues and recent racial categorization practices by POL.

Government Response

Kevin Hollinrake
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the devastating impact of the Horizon scandal on postmasters and Post Office. He highlighted improvements in trust-building measures, including appointments of non-executive director postmasters to the board and new director roles for current postmasters. Compensation schemes have paid out over £20.4 million for wrongful convictions and more than £100 million through the Horizon shortfall scheme. The Government are supporting Post Office with funding to deliver fair compensation by an August 2024 deadline.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.