Rishi Sunak Confirms New Legislation To Exonerate Post Office Victims

Rishi Sunak has pledged to “right the wrongs of the past” by bringing forward legislation to exonerate and compensate people who were convicted as a result of the Post Office IT scandal.

Government has come under intense pressure to help victims of the Horizon IT scandal, which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters prosecuted using data from faulty software developed by Fujitsu. 

Addressing MPs ahead of Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sunak described the scandal as “one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our nation’s history” and insisted that victimes “must get justice and compensation”. 

“Today I can announce that we will introduce new primary legislation to make sure that those convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal are swiftly exonerated and compensated,” he said.  

“We will make sure that the truth comes to light, we right the wrongs of the past, and the victims get the justice they deserve.”

To the victims of the Horizon scandal. pic.twitter.com/jK9txzq9IU

Labour leader Keir Starmer described the scandal as a “huge injustice” and said he was “glad” to hear the government’s proposals.  

“People lost their lives, their liberty, and their livelihood and they’ve been waiting far too long for the truth, for justice and for compensation,” Starmer said. 

Confirming further details of the plans, minister MP Kevin Hollinrake told the Commons that people who were involved in a group litigation against the Post Office will be made an upfront offer of £75,000, but if they believe they are entitled to more, they may continue with a further assessment. 

Those who are claiming compensation after an overturned conviction will receive an offer of £600,000.

Those claiming for exoneration and compensation will have to sign a