Can the 700 Sub-Postmasters Be Exonerated?

The scandal depicted in the recent ITV drama, 'Mr Bates VS the Post Office,' has spurred widespread condemnation and calls for action. The introduction of the electronic Horizon system at the Post Office resulted in numerous individuals facing imprisonment or financial devastation. Launched in 1999 by Fujitsu, bugs in the system were identified as early as 2001.

In Dalmellington, a system glitch caused a £24,000 discrepancy, with the post office blaming the operator. Between 1999 and 2015, over 700 Sub-postmasters and Postmistresses were prosecuted for false accounting and theft, leading to many serving prison time. Despite the public inquiry initiated in February 2021, many are still seeking justice.

Only 93 convictions have been overturned so far, with only 30 individuals receiving compensation settlements. Paula Vennels, the former CEO of the Post Office, has faced backlash for denying issues with the system. Over a million people have signed a petition calling for her CBE award to be revoked, which she has now agreed to voluntarily give up.

Efforts are being made to address the injustices faced by the Sub-Postmasters and Mistresses. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the Post Office for potential fraud offenses, and the government is working to expedite justice for those wrongly accused. Fujitsu, the company behind the Horizon system, is likely to face consequences for its role in what is being described as a significant miscarriage of justice in British history.

With pressure mounting for resolution and the upcoming election year, there is a sense of urgency to address this issue to ensure that justice is served for all those affected.