This week, no subject has captured public interest like the Post Office Horizon Scandal. Like you, I am horrified by the injustices that faced hundreds of innocent postmasters, who were wrongfully convicted as a result of Horizon's faulty software. I heard from many constituents who felt that the Horizon Scandal was a failure of institutional accountability, and many more who felt strongly that the Government must now offer a robust response, which gives proper compensation to those who were wronged. While this scandal has been a sobering reminder of the fallibility of institutions – we must make sure that we learn the right lessons -, what matters most is how we respond to the situation as we now find it.
That's why I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister speak out on the subject last week. On Wednesday, he addressed public concerns head-on, and announced a robust response from Government, which will see legislation introduced in the next few weeks that will overturn the wrongful convictions of hundreds of postmasters. Alongside this legislation, he committed to delivering even more compensation to those who have suffered hardship as a result of the Horizon scandal, and expediting compensation payments for the trailblazers who first took legal action against the Post Office.
The blanket exoneration will overturn hundreds of convictions, brought about thanks to erroneous Horizon evidence, clearing the names of many people who have had their lives ruined. The Government has committed to making sure these convictions are overturned later this year, meaning victims do not need to wait years and years for the justice they deserve. Once this legislation is passed and convictions have been quashed, individuals will be entitled to at least £600,000 in compensation to rebuild their lives.
The Government has also confirmed that it will take action to make sure the postmasters who played a crucial role in first exposing the Horizon scandal receive the compensation they deserve.
These individuals – also known as the Group Litigation Order cohort – who did not receive a criminal conviction but paid out considerable sums of money because of the Horizon failures, will receive at least £75,000 in compensation upfront. The Government will also consult the independent Advisory Board on the approach to compensation payments, to see if there are further steps we can take to hold the Post Office to account and speed up payments for everyone impacted by the scandal.
Institutions don't always get it right. However, I'm proud to belong to a Government that recognises the fallibility of institutions, and seeks to give proper recourse and compensation to those who have been wronged. The Prime Minister's approach to this issue is a commendable one; I have every confidence that justice will be done.
