Oldham MPs speak out on Post Office Horizon scandal

At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, PM Rishi Sunak promised a new law to exonerate those affected by the scandal.

More than 700 people were given criminal convictions after faulty accounting software Horizon, developed by Fujitsu, made it appear as though money was missing from the Post Office branches they managed.

Mr Sunak said: “This is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our nation’s history.

“People who worked hard to serve their communities had their lives and their reputations destroyed through absolutely no fault of their own. The victims must get justice and compensation.”

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Constitutional concerns

However, some analysts have raised concerns over the fact the law would breach the constitutional separation of powers of the judiciary, executive, and legislature – the Law Society’s director of public affairs David McNeill telling The Guardian newspaper that the society was "feeling queasy about it".

The scandal has been adapted into an ITV drama series, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which stars Toby Jones, Will Melllor, Monica Dolan, and Julie Hesmondhalgh.

The resulting publicity and expedited action from the government in recent days, despite the scandal being known about for years, led to Labour Home Affairs Committee chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson asking the House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt whether the infected blood scandal would require an ITV drama in order for the government to act quickly.

Jim McMahon weighs in

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “Post Offices are the anchors of every community. The postmasters and the staff in the post office are an essential part of the community and making sure local services from the Post Offices are running smoothly.

“The devastating impact of this scandal on people’s lives cannot be overstated, their reputations, relationships and standing in the community were ruined when they were innocent all along, losing both personally and economically, as homes and entire lives were lost.

“They deserve swift justice, and this cannot be allowed to happen again."

Jim McMahon called Post Offices 'the anchors of every community'

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Debbie Abrahams gives her view

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said: “The Horizon Scandal is one of the worst miscarriages of justice this country has ever seen as set out in the ITV documentary and drama. 

“The proposals for put forward by Professor Chris Hodges to legislate to overturn the outstanding convictions from the Horizon Scandal on a group basis, is one way to quickly get justice for the sub postmasters/mistresses so egregiously wronged. 

“I’m glad the government has finally agreed to this, but I also recognise the constitutional concerns.

Debbie Abrahams said she had had no contact from anyone affected by the scandal (Image: PA)

“By using this approach, it will enable those who have been convicted to now be considered for compensation.

“I have had no contacts from either existing or former Oldham postmasters or postmistresses that they have been affected by this scandal. If anyone has been affected, then I'd urge them to make contact so I can help them get the justice they deserve.

“I look forward to the independent inquiry into the Post Office Scandal publishing their report - this must uncover how this happened, who knew what and when.

“This should have far-reaching ramifications for the operation of the Post Office, Fujitsu and others. It may warrant separate prosecutions.”

Angela Rayner MP was also contacted for this story.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.