Northern Ireland’s sub-postmasters are to be included into the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill following lobbying from leaders in the province.
The Offences Bill, released in reaction to the dramatisation of the Horizon Systems scandal by broadcaster ITV following investigative journalism by Computer Weekly and Private Eye had not initially included sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland.Their inclusion will ensure that they are treated on the same basis as those in mainland UK that suffered from the scandal.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was restored in February 2024 following two years in which the Assembly was at a deadlock and not in power as a result of Brexit. This has led to a backlog of work and the risk that Northern Ireland’s sub-postmasters would not be given the same level of support as those outside of the province. I
A statement by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice said: “The decision recognises that Northern Ireland faces significant and unique challenges to delivering the necessary legislation at an expedited pace following the Executive’s recent restoration after two years.”
“The decision to include sub-postmasters here is the fastest and fairest solution for all,” said First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
She added: “Those wrongly convicted have already endured years of emotional and financial stress through no fault of their own. They now deserve a swift resolution with their convictions overturned in the quickest and most seamless manner.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly agreed: “Amending the Westminster legislation is the fastest solution including in terms of accessing financial redress.”
Fair treatment
To ensure fair treatment for sub-postmasters across the UK, Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “It was always my view that sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland should receive equitable treatment in line with their counterparts in other parts of the UK.
"The amendments to the Westminster Bill will enable the wrongful convictions to be overturned in the quickest possible way and will finally remove the enormous burden and shame that many sub-postmasters have carried for years. These victims had their lives overturned in an instant, and whilst it will not erase the pain experienced, I hope it will allow the UK Government to deliver financial redress to those affected in the same speedy fashion.”
Earlier in April the Post Office began the process of replacing the Fujitsu developed and operated Horizon IT system with the issuing of a market opportunity notice to create a new branch IT system.
