Thread by @nickwallis

Sky reporting Post Office Horizon IT inquiry to be made statutory at the request of existing inquiry chair. Massive victory for campaigning Subpostmasters.

news.sky.com/story/post-off…

(h/t @chrish9070)

Reaction to follow.

#PostOfficeScandal

@chrish9070 Lord Arbuthnot, who has campaigned for Subpostmasters more than a decade has reacted to saying: "Excellent news, but until there is proper compensation and the Government accepts that the settlement agreement was unfairly forced on the subpostmasters, we cannot rest."

The Post Office CEO is meeting MPs at 4pm today and a statement to the House is expected from the Postal Services minister @scullyp tomorrow.

This is (if it happens) a major victory for Subpostmasters and MPs who have been campaigning for a statutory inquiry since the High Court judgments were handed down in 2019.

A statutory inquiry gives Sir Wyn Williams (current inquiry chair) powers to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath AND to force the release of documents… BUT… he will still be constrained by the SCOPE of the inquiry which will be set by the government.

Kevan Jones MP - another long term campaigner says:

“If the inquiry is going to be put on a statutory footing then that is welcome, but it should have been done when it was announced months ago. It’s just added to the anguish for the victims...

… it is a major victory and full credit to the tenacity and determination of the Subpostmasters.”

He added: “It’s quite clear to me there’s been a deliberate cover-up throughout this and those responsible for it need to be brought to account. Post Office knew...

…. back in 2011 what the problem was. Major questions need to be asked not only why the Post Office covered it up, but then spent hundreds of millions of pounds of public money defending the indefensible, when they knew they were in the wrong."

Mr Jones says: “the key thing now is we’ve got to get all the facts on the table, that’s documents… that’s individuals who took decisions. They’ve got to be able to get the truth out there and then the government have to compensate people and in certain cases consideration...

… of criminal prosecution against people.”

Well this has just all stepped up a gear, hasn’t it? Am available if anyone wants broadcast comment this afternoon. DM me.

Just had a statement through from @ChiOnwurah the shadow postal services minister:

"We are pleased that the Government has finally, after dragging their feet, conceded the need for a statutory...

@ChiOnwurah … inquiry following pressure from the postmasters, Labour and just about everyone horrified by the enormity of this miscarriage of justice.”

She adds:

"This is a step forward, but the long delay has caused further suffering to the many victims and their families...

@ChiOnwurah …

… Crucially the Government must now address the limited remit of the inquiry which does not cover compensation or the accountability of managers in this scandal.”

The Post Office is currently refusing to comment. I have been promised a statement from the government...

… asap.

Chris Head (@chrish9070), who took a petition to Downing Street in February last year demanding a statutory inquiry says:

"Todays news is very welcome, it should not have ever come to this. The minister could have announced this last year...

@chrish9070 … so these people could be on their way to justice much sooner. We must ensure now that consultation is given on the terms of reference so that no stone is left unturned. It appears the pressure & dialogue with ministers has with ministers has worked...

… with many thanks to all the MP’s, Lords & press that have really upped the anti since the CofA decisions a few weeks ago.

I also hope Nick Read will share the thoughts of my meeting with the government on behalf of everyone & sanction further/full compensation for everyone."

Full round up of reaction to here:
postofficetrial.com/2021/05/govern…

including government quote.

#PostOfficeScandal