Post Office scandal victims could be exonerated, Rishi Sunak suggests
The IndependentSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Moves could include exonerating all those involved or removing the Post Office’s ability to investigate or prosecute suspecter officers, Rishi Sunak has confirmed. Asked if there could be exonerations or the government could remove the Post Office’s ability to investigate and prosecute, the prime minister said: “The justice secretary is looking at the things that you’ve described, it wouldn’t be right to pre-empt that process, obviously there’s legal complexity in all of those things but he is looking at exactly those areas.” He added: “Everyone has been shocked by watching what they have done over the past few days and beyond and it is an appalling miscarriage of justice. There are three different schemes available and for anyone affected they should come forward.” The Post Office was prosecuting people caught up in the scandal as recently as 2015. Kevan Jones, the Labour MP for North Durham, who sits on the Horizon compensation advisory board, told the Sunday Times: “It is quite clear from the evidence presented to the public inquiry and in court, that the victims of this scandal should have their convictions quashed and their good names restored.” His constituent, Tom Brown, a former subpostmaster in Newcastle upon Tyne, was wrongly accused of stealing £85,000 in 2008.