People found responsible for the Horizon IT scandal must be “held to account”, said Kevin Hollinrake, the minister responsible for the Post Office. The official inquiry’s verdict, which examined the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of individuals accused of stealing money following errors made by the Horizon computer system between 1999 and 2015, must bring justice for those impacted by the scandal. The government has promised to compensate those affected and will introduce a new law to clear convictions in England and Wales by 2024.
Speaking on the BBC’s Any Questions show, Hollinrake said that individuals could be criminally prosecuted and potentially jailed, which would serve as an ultimate deterrent against future wrongdoing. While he did not think there was much chance of the Post Office bringing private prosecutions, he said that he is committed to see those responsible brought to justice. Hollinrake’s comments come as the official inquiry restarted, and after ITV screened Mr Bates vs the Post Office, a drama that brought renewed attention to the scandal.
The IT scandal was caused by the Horizon computer system that misreported how much money was in sub-postmasters’ accounts, leading to hundreds of prosecutions and ruined livelihoods. Of the more than 900 convictions related to the scandal, only 93 have been overturned. The case has prompted fierce criticism of the Post Office, which is wholly owned by the government, for its handling of the matter. The inquiry re-convened in late September 2021, after pausing during the pandemic, and former Post Office investigator Stephen Bradshaw appeared in front of it to deny any wrongdoing.
The new law introduced by the government will provide swift compensation and exoneration for the victims of the scandal while considering criminal prosecutions and penalties for those responsible. Hollinrake’s comments signal a strong stance from the government towards justice, and his vision of ensuring those deemed responsible face the full force of the law will be a welcome sentiment to those hoping for justice in the aftermath of the scandal.
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