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Former post workers could have their convictions revoked as “early as tomorrow”, two former lord chancellors have suggested.
It is hoped that the remaining 750 Post Office convictions will now be overturned four years after the scandal was exposed as Rishi Sunak faces calls to act.
The scandal sparked public outcry after a television drama revealed the true damage the incident had left former postmasters and mistresses in.
It led Alex Chalk, the current lord chancellor, to meet Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake to discuss legal options to resolve the issue.
Former post workers could have their convictions revoked as ‘early as tomorrow’, two former lord chancellors have suggestedPALegal possibilities included passing legislation which would automatically cancel convictions or a move to prevent the Post Office from opposing appeals.
“We should recognise these exceptional circumstances by asking parliament to pass legislation … Such legislation would help to right a clear wrong,” Sir Robert Buckland, Chalk’s predecessor told The Times.
“Too many sub-postmasters have already died without seeing justice being done, so there is no more time to be lost.”
Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the justice secretary under Tony Blair, added: “The Government could introduce that [legislation] tomorrow and there would be no resistance in parliament.
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“It’s an absolutely shocking scandal that’s been there for years and years, and now it’s at the top of the political agenda. Everyone agrees it will take years to get rid of those other convictions unless there is a change in procedure.”
The Horizon IT scandal led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters.
Earlier today, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells said she will hand back her CBE with immediate effect.
In 2021, the first judgment in the Court of Appeal was handed down – which dismissed 39 convictions – and it was hoped hundreds of others would follow.
The Horizon IT scandal led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters
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However, many sub-postmasters said they have not come forward because they are too traumatised or elderly to take on another three-year fight, or that they do not trust the courts.
Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom, who has campaigned on behalf of postmasters for 15 years, said: “Any Government going into a general election with this hanging over them would be suicidal.
“I can’t see another way of dealing with the issue as quickly as it needs to be dealt with.”
Have you been affected by the Horizon IT scandal? If you’d like to share your story, get in touch with money@gbnews.uk
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