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Fujitsu’s European chief executive, Paul Patterson, defended the company’s continued earnings from government contracts despite the fallout from the Post Office Horizon scandal. Speaking before the Business and Trade Select Committee, Patterson emphasized that Fujitsu is “not a parasite,” noting that the government retains the choice to extend or terminate its contracts with the firm. He also confirmed the company had received £500 million in contract extensions, even though their faulty Horizon software played a central role in one of the largest miscarriages of justice in recent British history.
The Horizon computer system’s defects led to more than 900 sub-postmasters being wrongly prosecuted on allegations that money was missing from their branch accounts. Many others ended up using their personal savings to cover supposed shortfalls to avoid legal action. These failings have sparked widespread condemnation as a major injustice, with the government putting aside £1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to compensate victims, of which £1.4 billion has already been disbursed. Although Fujitsu committed to contributing to the compensation fund, Patterson declined to specify the amount the company would pay while awaiting the conclusion of the official Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams.
During the committee session, questions from MPs grew increasingly pointed, with committee chair Liam Byrne expressing disbelief at Fujitsu’s stance. Byrne accused the company of “behaving like a parasite on the British state” due to its refusal to disclose its financial contribution toward the £1.8 billion taxpayer-funded compensation scheme. Patterson responded by reiterating that the government holds the power to decide whether contracts continue, stating, “If you wish us to walk away from those contracts, we’ll walk away.” He also highlighted Fujitsu’s 40-year history of investment in the UK, pointing out its 5,000 employees and the many subcontractors it employs.
Despite publicly declaring it would not seek new public contracts in the UK until the inquiry is complete, Fujitsu’s deal with the Post Office was extended last November at the government’s request. Patterson defended this decision, linking it directly to requests from government officials. When questioned about why Fujitsu had not set aside financial provisions in its accounts for potential payouts related to the scandal, Patterson explained that, following auditor advice, this would only be necessary once the settlement amount was determined. The uncertainty surrounding the company’s ultimate financial responsibility continues to draw scrutiny as the inquiry progresses
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