- Britain is introducing measures to overturn the convictions of more than 700 post office branch managers who were wrongly accused of theft and fraud.
- The scandal involved a postmaster wrongly being convicted of stealing cash after the post office's computer incorrectly indicated funds were missing from the store.
- Between 1999 and 2015, more than 700 postal branch managers were wrongfully convicted, and only 93 successfully had their convictions overturned.
British Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that he would introduce measures to overturn the convictions of more than 700 post office managers who were wrongly accused of theft and fraud due to a flaw in the computer system.
The scandal, in which hundreds of postmasters were wrongly convicted of stealing cash after the post office's computers falsely indicated funds were missing from stores, was the most widespread in British history. It is considered a miscarriage of justice.
Of the more than 700 postal branch managers convicted of theft or fraud between 1999 and 2015, only 93 were able to have their convictions overturned. Some were sent to prison, and many were left financially ruined after being forced to pay large sums to the state post office. Some people committed suicide.
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The real culprit was a flawed accounting software package called “Horizon” provided by Japanese technology company Fujitsu.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaves No. 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Minister's Questions and Answers in London on January 10, 2024. Chancellor Sunak said he would introduce measures to overturn the convictions of more than 700 post office branch managers. Being falsely accused of theft or fraud due to a defect in a computer system. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Mr Sunak told MPs new legislation would be introduced to ensure those wrongfully convicted are “quickly exonerated and compensated”.
For years, the state postal service maintained that data from Horizon was reliable and accused branch managers of wrongdoing.
Police have launched a fraud investigation into the post office, but so far no arrests or criminal charges have been filed against the company or Fujitsu officials. A public investigation has been ongoing since 2022.
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The scandal has been rumored for years, but it made headlines again this week after a hit TV docudrama reignited outrage over the scandal. ITV's Mr Bates vs the Post Office follows branch manager Alan Bates, played by Toby Jones, and his 20-year battle to expose the truth and exonerate wronged postal workers. Painted.
On Tuesday, former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennels announced she would be giving back the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which she received in 2018. Supporters have gathered more than 1.2 million signatures on an online petition calling for his honor to be stripped.
