Post Office scandal – dwell: Announcement on quashing convictions ‘imminent’ as Sunak mulls emergency bill

The wrongful convictions of lots of of subpostmasters because of defective digital accounting software program has been described as probably the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK historical past.

The scandal has lately come again into the highlight following ITV’s 4-half drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

The Horizon IT system is accounting software program, owned by Japanese firm Fujitsu, which noticed accounts automated after subpostmasters entered their gross sales figures through a touchscreen.

Postal companies minister Kevin Hollinrake stated there are powers in place to ensure witnesses seem earlier than the statutory inquiry into the Horizon scandal.

It comes after the Telegraph reported that an engineer understood to be linked to the event of the defective software program concerned is demanding immunity for his or her testimony.

“That’s absolutely the wrong approach for that person to take if those reports are true,” the minister informed ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

He added: “The statutory inquiry does have the power to make sure that witnesses do give evidece, but clearly our crime agencies and police definitely have that power.”

Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake stated former Post Office chief government Paula Vennells has completed the “right thing” by handing again her CBE.

He refused to be drawn on whether or not she ought to return her bonuses from the position, telling Times Radio that he didn’t agree with “trial by media”.

However, Mr Hollinrake stated it was “certainly possible” that some people are responsible of felony offences and that motion needs to be taken the place there’s proof of that.

Andy Furey of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), stated it could “only be right” for her to return any bonuses she obtained from the Post Office – believed to quantity to round £2.2m.

The union chief has additionally stated that the related authorities should give “serious consideration” to bringing felony proceedings towards her.

Some 130 folks affected by the Horizon scandal have come ahead since a brand new TV programme dramatising the miscarriage of justice aired, the postal companies minister has stated.

Kevin Hollinrake informed Sky News: “I think 130 people have come forward to one of the key solicitors in this … so it’s good that people are coming forward .

”The minister urged anybody affected to make themselves recognized to the compensation scheme itself or the federal government – promising processes can be “quick”.

Postal minister Kevin Hollinrake stated Rishi Sunak’s authorities believes it has a “solution” to the Horizon scandal convictions and an announcement is “imminent”.

Mr Hollinrake informed Sky News he couldn’t promise a “particular timeframe” as a choice “has not been finalised”.

“We’re very, very close,” he stated – refusing to “speculate” as as to whether an announcement may come as quickly as Wednesday afternoon.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk revealed on Tuesday that Mr Sunak is “actively considering” an emergency bill to quash all 800 Horizon scandal convictions without delay.

No 10 stated the judiciary had not challenged the federal government’s proposal to overturn the convictions, after crunch conferences have been held on Tuesday – and prompt {that a} legislative plan can be introduced within the coming days.