.
Join the View from Westminster email list to receive professional insights directly to your email inbox.
Sign up for our complimentary email newsletter “Westminster Perspective”
According to claims, members of David Cameron’s government were informed that Post Office leaders had ceased a concealed inquiry that could have exonerated postmasters. This was done despite their continued denial of any issues with the Horizon computer system.
An internal inquiry conducted in 2016 regarding the manipulation of cash accounts on the Horizon IT system over a period of 17 years was abruptly terminated following legal action taken by postmasters.
The BBC reported that officials in Prime Minister Cameron’s government were informed that Post Office leaders had ceased the investigation, despite denying any issues with the Horizon computer system.
Even after being investigated, the organization continued to defend in court, two years later, that Fujitsu could not have remotely accessed the subpostmaster accounts.
Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted over 700 branch managers due to the malfunctioning Horizon accounting software which falsely indicated missing funds in their shops.
Many subpostmasters and subpostmistresses are still waiting to receive compensation, even though the government has stated that those whose convictions have been overturned are entitled to receive payouts of £600,000.
Lord Cameron (PA)
However, the recent disclosures bring into question the duration of time that ministers were informed about the potential for remote access, and why the government took no action to prevent the Post Office from stating that Fujitsu was unable to modify branch manager accounts.
The BBC received documents that revealed details of a covert probe conducted in 2016 regarding Fujitsu’s utilization of remote access. This investigation originated from a review conducted by former high-ranking lawyer for the Treasury, Jonathan Swift QC. The review was authorized by the former business secretary, Sajid Javid.
However, in June of that year, when sub-postmasters initiated their legal proceedings, the government was informed by Post Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe that the inquiry had been terminated based on the strong recommendation of the senior barrister representing them.
There is no indication in the records that former prime minister Mr Cameron was personally aware of the investigation or that it had been abandoned.
The representative for Lord Cameron referenced his past statements indicating that he had no recollection of being informed about the Horizon controversy during his tenure as prime minister.
The former foreign secretary, who served in No.10 from 2010 to 2016, stated in January that he does not remember being briefed or made aware of the magnitude of this problem.
He stated that anyone who had served in the government in the past twenty years must feel profound regret for the miscarriage of justice.
The recent events involve a string of intense confrontations between ex-chairman of the Post Office, Henry Staunton, and the current business secretary, Kemi Badenoch. Mr. Staunton criticized Ms. Badenoch for making “surprising statements” and misrepresenting facts when she alleged that he had shared fictitious stories after being fired.
The ex-postmaster general revealed that he was instructed to delay providing compensation to postmasters impacted by the Horizon controversy.
The business secretary stated to the Commons that there was no proof of his actions and called it a clear effort to retaliate against his dismissal.
The individual stated that he was under investigation for accusations of bullying prior to his dismissal as chairman. There were also concerns raised about his cooperation with the investigation.
Responding on Monday afternoon, a representative for Mr Staunton stated that Ms Badenoch had made some “astounding allegations” regarding the situation.
Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, refuted the statements made by Henry Staunton during an interview with the Sunday Times.
According to a statement provided to journalists, it was reported that he documented the statement regarding postponing compensation “at the moment in a written record that he sent to himself and colleagues, making it traceable on the Post Office Server.”
Regarding the purported inquiry into bullying, the representative stated: “This is the initial mention of any such accusations and Mr. Staunton is not cognizant of any behavior on his part that could prompt such allegations.”
The Secretary of State did not mention it at any point, including during the conversation that led to Mr Staunton being fired. This type of behavior would be completely unlike them.
The statement made by Ms Badenoch in parliament, which addressed allegations of bullying against Mr Staunton, was supported by Downing Street. A spokesperson for the prime minister confirmed that the investigation was approved by No10.
The official spokesperson for the prime minister also requested that the Post Office release a document that Mr. Staunton claims proves he received a directive to deliberately slow down compensation for postmasters.
“If a note of this nature is present, we strongly urge the Post Office to disclose it for further investigation and appropriate measures can be taken,” he stated.
Last month, Mr. Staunton was fired by the business secretary after giving an interview to the Sunday Times where he implied that the supposed request to postpone payouts was connected to worries about the expense of compensating for the Horizon scandal leading up to the election.
Ms Badenoch had said allegations relating to Mr Staunton’s conduct, including “serious matters such as bullying”, were being examined and concerns were also raised about his “willingness to co-operate” with the formal investigation.
During her address in the House of Commons, she expressed her disappointment in his decision to share false information, fabricate stories to the media, and disclose confidential conversations.
Ms Badenoch stated that this has solidified her belief that she made the right choice in terminating his employment.
The former Post Office chairman’s statements have raised inquiries for ministers.
Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business secretary for Labour, stated that it is imperative for ministers to verify that allegations of the government delaying Horizon compensation payments are proven to be untrue without a doubt.
He stated that there are two conflicting accounts from the Post Office chairman and the Secretary of State, and only one of them can be true.
Ms Badenoch restated her rejection of the allegations and stated: “There is absolutely no advantage to us postponing compensation.”
“This has no notable effect on income at all. It would be unreasonable to even propose, and the compensation plan supervised by Mr. Staunton has already been fulfilled, with all payments being made completely. Therefore, it is evident that no directive was issued.”
The chairman of the business committee, Liam Byrne, stated on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that instead of a verbal battle between the secretary of state and the former chairman, what is necessary is for ministers to provide compensation to the numerous subpostmasters who have been waiting for a resolution for far too long.
Mr Byrne said he “hopes” to be able to obtain a contemporaneous note Mr Staunton kept after being given the so-called “go slow” order.
He stated, “Yesterday I extended an invitation to Mr. Staunton to appear before the committee next week. Today, we will be requesting the necessary documents in our pursuit to uncover the truth.”
“Significantly, we will request the note mentioned by Mr. Staunton detailing the go-slow directive he claims to have received from higher-ranking government officials… despite the secretary of state denying any awareness of it yesterday.”
The Secretary of the Environment, Steve Barclay, has expressed his support for the Secretary of Business and stated that the government is dedicated to achieving fairness for subpostmasters affected by the Horizon scandal.
Steve Barclay, the environment secretary, has come to the defense of the business minister.
According to his interview with Times Radio, he stated that Ms Badenoch is dedicated to seeking justice for those who have experienced a significant injustice. He also emphasized the importance of statements made in the House of Commons, which all ministers should approach with great responsibility.
He was asked if he had confidence in Kemi Badenoch, to which he responded affirmatively.
Source: independent.co.uk
