Post Office Scandal - can't remember, don't care

[@shinywarm6906]

This is exactly right. As a former member of a CAMHS team, I was accustomed to working with cases of abuse and neglect - it was a daily occurence. But 20 years later, I can still recall details of cases that weren't even mine. For these witnesses, it seems, locking people up and pushing them to suicide was so commonplace that it made no impression on their consciousness at all.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you post. I am really glad ou shared your thughts here. It was a very pertinent point you've made.

[@liamhemmings9039]

I am a lawyer I can remember details of cases I worked on 20 years ago. Your reflections on record keeping and how that reflects on the diligence of the senior staff is spot on.

[@Daniel-deMerrivale]

Thank you for your comment. I have said similarly that, as a Consultant Engineer I can recall details of my complex appointments and resolutions of over 40 years. It is part of our basic training similarities, engagement with our clients and, of course, interest in our profession and conduct. It is also because many of the issues we dealt with undoubtedly had human impacts associated with them and as humans we engage with empathy and accordingly remember. I find much of these peoples excuses unbelievable and they seem to me to be accomplished liars.

[@terrysmith9362]

I agree I retired as a CFO 11 years ago but I can remember specific Board discussions from 40 years ago

[@A2Z1Two3]

Admitting you are a lawyer is brave , the name was mud , but now it's sh[t😮

[@terrysmith9362]

@@A2Z1Two3 what a clueless comment. I guess you support Corbyn?

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, it was fab to hear from a lawyer on this and you've confirmed what I thought - us professional folk remember important things!

[@GCNix]

I could not agree more!! I kept thinking that the Second Sight Team never said '...I can't remember...' etc, they had the dates, the answers and explanations right there in front of them. Because their experiences and interactions with the Post Office were significant and not easily forgotten. Thanks for your pod casts, I really enjoy them.

[@vickymc9695]

'For you, it was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday.'

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. You capture the cruelty perfectly. Thank you.

[@StevieMoore-q3c]

MY HEART GOES OUT to JO Hamilton .. you see the sadness in her eyes and hurt and she is there every day .. i do hope this enquiry is not doing damage to her , she has gone through enough .. and every day they just keep on lying those who worked or were involved with the scandal.. they have no soul no heart no morals

[@juliemchugh8828]

Her anger keeps her going, I think, along with the hope that there will be cases brought against at least some of the people who acted so terribly.

[@fgrsimon]

I think she probably enjoys seeing these characters squirm in public and so she should. Also if nothing else, I'm sure they can feel her eyes burning deep into their souls every minute they are there.

[@RaymondPattison]

Great woman joe hamilton has to listen to these people who ruined her life and keep her temper and integrity toghther deserves a lot of credit.

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

I think the inquiry is excellent. It is a full case study of all that is wrong with British corporate management and womanagement as well, for all to see. I've inferred this sort of thing for years, looking at industrial performance figures and the like. Fix this problem and we can fix the entire country.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, and yes, Jo has been through way too much.

[@jennyg-uf1uo]

Jo Hamilton is amazing and her fortitude and dignity needs recognition. Shame the amnesia-ridden witnesses don’t have a fraction of her integrity.

[@stephenpowers51]

@@jennyg-uf1uo very well said. Thanks.

[@lesleycollis7520]

@@stephenpowers51 ditto ditto

[@stephenpowers51]

@@lesleycollis7520the postmasters/mistresses are the ONLY post office people to emerge with any credit. I reserve my special, single-malt scorn for those at the very top, the ghastly Perkins woman, head-girl Vennells, the govt shareholder civil servant goons, little Ed Davey and other spineless ministers. I’d use a rude word for them all but this is a family show.

[@michaelmcginley7930]

Dont expect any integritu from alice perking absolutely deviod of empathy.horrible woman

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. Yes, Jo Hamilton has been wonderful.

[@mikeellis4345]

Alice thought she was building her integrity and credibility.. but she was obviously busy in wonderland crapping on people, now her credibility and integrity are totally gone. Awful horrid person.

[@DeanSinger-ky7md]

The last 6 PMS are all Oxford Uni graduates and Perkins is from that club - I question if (from the same club)most of them care one bit about the general public....

[@michaelmcginley7930]

Disgusting woman pure evil

[@stephenpowers51]

@@mikeellis4345 nicely put. I fear she’ll return, quietly, on a board somewhere.

[@stephenpowers51]

@@DeanSinger-ky7md of course they care. They care mostly that you know they care. Codependency is everywhere. A codependent person like that ghastly Perkins woman, Vennells too, are deeply concerned that you know just how good they are.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, Alice in Crappyland ... I love it.

[@stephenpowers51]

Alice Perkins embodies the sense of entitlement and superiority displayed by virtually all in the upper echelons of our civil service and public sector. String ‘em up!

[@tinlegs1959]

I agree, it was like a case of "don't you know who I am? How dare you question me." This video puts the point about some people's selective memory in its place (nice one Dr Paul) because they can remember things when it suits them but not at more, shall we say, uncomfortable times.

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

Alice Perkins is very much like the character Minnie Castevet in 'Rosemary's baby'.

[@markgoscinski3509]

​@@tinlegs1959husband Jack Straw who's an ex legal professional will have coached her for the inquiry and yes she's got an I'm better than you demeanour

[@laxeystu8096]

​@@markgoscinski3509 I think there's plenty who can help her besides her husband

[@rosssimpson6268]

Whole-heartedly agree with youy comment about Perkins's sense of entitlement and superiority! I believe she should have been challenged though about her failure to remember considering the effect that the circumstances that were referred to would have on the likes of Jo Hamilton and all the others who were wrongly convicted. That would have reinforced the perception (I believe reality) that PO Board did not care about the sub-postmasters - who, in reality, were and are the providers of most of PO Ltd's income!

[@dglady5168]

Really appreciate you finding the time to analyse/comment on the Horizon inquiry as you cast an enjoyable and thought-provoking eye upon proceedings. Thank you!

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you lovely comments. p

[@Lynnefromlyn]

Excellent point, Dr Duckett. I think many of those interviewed over the months have demonstrated how very little they cared or care even now, about the horrendous situation they manoeuvred and covered up and the disastrous effect wreaked on the sun-postmasters.

[@nikolaslarson6891]

The entire witnessing of Alice Perkins is a show of arrogance and entitlement. Her dominant tone, her repeated interupting the inquirer, her insisting on keeping the interaction on a level of dialogue between equals. Tim Parker does the same but even adds smug litle laughs, interjections and questionings of the inquirer's logic. Appalling appearances of both of them.

[@darrylbaker5271]

I am listening to their testimony as a master class in learning the personal characteristics I need to develop to get a job in a senior government position. Signed Machiavelli

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment :)

[@tomricketts7821]

@@nikolaslarson6891 all part of the arrogant attitude of superiority and entitlement that is the dominant attitude of the worlds elites and they wonder about the rise of populism and the anger of ordinary people

[@MYCROFTonX]

Spot on. Little people don't matter to many of the witnesses and they just didn't care at all. Yours is a very good insight.

[@peterburke3652]

'I don't remember because l didn't care about these unimportant people'.

[@tomricketts7821]

You’ve got it spot on

[@davidroberts4398]

PLEBS??.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, you summed it up nicely :)

[@robertwright7937]

"I can remember stuff which may help me, but I can't remember anything else." I think Jo Hamilton's baleful stare is the most memorable thing about this whole enquiry.

[@wildedina]

This reminds me of the Windrush scandal. The home office knew about it for years and didn't care.

[@BoadiceanRevenge]

Perkins. What a horrible old bag! Thanks Dr Duckett. 😔🙏⚖️🙏

[@DominicBerry-d5h]

Every time they say, “It was a long time ago,” I think, “That’s right. Because of you”.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting and that I thought you summed it up nicely :)

[@corringhamdepot4434]

From my experience with Civil Service management, everything was "trivial" unless it had a direct impact on their personal position. Then they started caring about it. The problem with POL management, was they didn't see any possibility of accountability for what they were doing.

[@ChrisM541]

The entire PO management were/are protected by their very own in-house legal team - hired by management themselves, and if they needed additional legal 'help' then they had the money to hire external...paid by the taxpayer. The issue is, THEY were effectively instructing legal on what to say and do - it was management's instructions on who to focus attention on....who to attack!

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you post. Your piont about accountability is spot on, I think.

[@JeromeSwan-w2t]

That's an interesting point about notes. None of these people ever refer to notes they made at the time. Keep them coming, Dr Paul! These are really interesting.

[@custossecretus5737]

They’ll be long gone in flames by now. Considering the similar responses from the bosses, they most likely have received direction from their lawers to say nothing to incriminate themselves and to be rid of incriminating evidence. I do wonder if their homes have even been searched for evidence.

[@marybusch6182]

If they even made any notes at all because these people know the power ofthe written word and are protecting themselves and their co conspiracies.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It's much appreciated :)

[@mrmanch204]

Excellent work Paul, as always. You have a very "listenable" voice as well. Also, "Peter Parker", so glad you kept it in.

[@thisiszaphod]

TBH, this one's first thought was of Peter Parker - chair of British Rail - late 70s/early 80s!

[@mrmanch204]

@@thisiszaphod ...is that good..?😄

[@thisiszaphod]

@@mrmanch204 - it's worrying!

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, glad I am not the only one who got mixed up!

[@minechaftgamer288]

Perkins-Straw will haunt me for the rest of my days, hoping against hope she's held accountable for the lies

[@PJMcInerney]

She won’t be - sorry

[@michaelmcginley7930]

Doubt it she and jack are above the law

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, haunted is the word, I think :)

[@KerrGraham-p8u]

Spot on Dr Duckett. "I don't remember" would be occasionally acceptable. But amnesia on this industrial scale is criminal negligence, in my opinion. What is much worse is the body language and tone of voice (yes you Alice Perkins) which communicates "I don't care". "I'm bored and have more important things to do".

[@jeanwillis2646]

Hi Paul thank you so much for today's video. You gave me a 💡moment with your words of wisdom. I watch quite a lot of PoL at the moment (recovering from a foot injury. I hurl a lot of comments at my screen and next time I'm going to do as you say and use those three words. Thank you for your generosity of time in making your videos I'm learning quite a lot so at the age of 71 that's very surprising 😊 All the very best from Herts in UK

[@adrianrose7703]

I’m learning too at age 86!

[@PaulDuckett]

Thanks so much for you lovely words of encouragement. I hope you foot has got much better. We are never too old (or too young) to learn :) p

[@stephenpowers51]

Well done Paul, you’ve clearly struck a rich vein here. And I think your interpretation of the ghastly Perkins woman’s reaction, then and now, is spot on.

[@annenield8125]

Not only is Alice Perkins entitled and uncaring -- but also completely incompetent. On every level. Infuriating to know that these are the people who are put in charge -- by others like them. Jo Hamilton is amazing -- resolute and dignified. Bravo!!!!

[@stephendixon8575]

Liked that Paul - You make a really good point, and one which clearly none of the barristers (AFAIK) have thought to use in response: “So you either can’t recall because you didn’t think it was important at the time (in which case you’re admitting to not doing your job properly), or it clearly was important and significant at the time (if you were doing your job properly) in which case of course you remember it and you are now just lying to this Enquiry. Which is it? It can only be one or the other” Think I mentioned in a previous comment that have been a solicitor myself for about 25 years; though my point is I think. in retrospect, some of these barristers could have done with a little psychology advice from people like you on how to approach these kind of witness tactics. I bet more than a few of them them would be so delighted, they’d be keeping some of these ideas up their sleeves for use in cross examining witnesses in future. Well done as always 😉

[@johnk8525]

From the USA new to this story but the witness testimony reminds me of the phrase made famous during the Watergate investigations, all the witnesses started with the phrase "to the best of my recollection" . The entire Nixon administration came down with amnesia

[@maggiegray1698]

Thanks for taking the time on this. These people don't care and they need to know that's not good enough. Take their pensions At least Paula Vennels wept. This woman has a heart of stone.

[@michaeltoohey1385]

Paula Vennells "wept" but there were no actual tears.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you post. It was a good one :)

[@colinbell8231]

Thank you so much for these observations: so true - "They didn't care!". Risk Management is at the heart of executive activity and responsibility. They saw no risk. There was no curiosity. "Dead men walking". This lack of due care should be disqualifying, and ultimately legally punishable.

[@custossecretus5737]

If the crew of a ship told the captain there was a hole in the ship and the ship subsequently sank, the captain could not say later on that they didn’t recall being told about the hole, because it’s critical information. The amount of critical information about major bugs in the horizon program was well disseminated throughout management and ignorance or inability to recall critical information is negligence.

[@SALUTE-INT-S]

Absolutely agree. And a question, as I am not a lawyer. Hopefully this enquiry will determine to a criminal standard of proof that snr management did know about Horizon's faults. But hypothetically assume they didn't know, or somehow not know what those faults meant. Is it still a crime to be so criminally negligent in your procedures and checks when overseeing the criminal prosecution of people? This hypothetical question could be important, as it could enable the prosecution of a larger pool of snr management and some directors on the basis that even if it could not be proven on the balance of probability that they did know about Horizon's faults, they were still negligent to a criminal standard as they should have, and by being so negligent so many failed to stop high risk prosecutions to proceed for years. I find it odd as an Australian that the UK PO had such powers and resources to independently prosecute people. But as they did so, does it not raise the bar re expected professionalism to a much wider grouping of management and directors. I have a real fear that even if the likes of Paula Vennell's is criminally prosecuted as she should be, that too many others will avoid proper sanction.

[@SALUTE-INT-S]

I apologize for my long 'comment', but this whole story i just stunning o so many levels. It is the most appalling abuse of power I have ever heard of by any organization owned by a government operating under the Westminster system.

[@SALUTE-INT-S]

Appears it is on the books (if PO mgt are still considered as public servants): Quote from Barry Gardener, Brent North, Labour , House of Commons Jan 9 2024: “…will the minister confirm that the maximum penalty for a public servant who willingly and knowingly act in a manner that results in harm Injury or financial loss to an innocent party is life in prison?”

[@custossecretus5737]

Archaic laws gave the post office powers to prosecute. The investigation has already shown attempts to remove any indication that a fault existed. My biggest fear is that decades worth of evidence is being generated in the televised hearings which a court will have to spend decades going through. Also the defence will say the bosses will not get a fair trial due to the inquiry being televised. In short the bosses will be too old for jail if they get prosecuted and the usual scapegoats will be offered up. I also suspect ministerial involvement in this as they have the power to sway judges who clearly didn’t ask, where was the money that was allegedly stolen.

[@davidnash8586]

@@custossecretus5737I have watched many of each rank of people getting questioned by the brilliant barristers and think that they have all been coached on how to respond in a way that will not lead to criminal prosecutions !

[@simont1108]

Selective memory. When they are confronted with evidence that cannot be disputed but doesn't seem a threat to their witness statement suddenly they have perfect recall even though it is regarding a year/s previous to the last question. Justice for Jo Hamilton and all. Needed.

[@JohnNeill-e2k]

I do admire the way you analyse events from the Post Office enquiry and leave witnesses without the excuse of not being able to remember

[@VeronicaKingsley-by9nc]

As alway brilliant. In a few minutes you have highlighted that the directors and board members of the Post Office, Fitjsui, Lawyers and MPs who all now claim they can't remember, didn't care AND this means that they were not doing their due diligence ie not doing their jobs. Therefore they all need to repay the bonuses they all awarded each other. I will look forward to the outcome of this vastly expensive enquiry demanding that these people and the legal profession who allowed the mis-carriage of justice to pay back the costs and these monies

[@roswilliams2899]

Yes, And then jail them.

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

When it suits, they remember in detail.

[@carolynkimbrey1423]

I love your display of hats...reminds me of the wonderful Man who mistook his wife for a hat!! Thanks for your calm and measured offerings!

[@MarionRuth-24]

Thank you Dr Duckett, I have considered long and hard how an organisation can get it wrong for so long. I have no illustions on the effectiveness of large corporate entities and the mind numbing wasted effort which employees put into each day. Your analysis does shed light on cultural blind spots which allow an organisation to treat a significant section of the team as lesser beings not to be trusted or considered while being vital to the functioning of the whole. What I had not worked out was the impact at every level of the organisation of modern day individual moral bancruptcy (especially among lawyers). Moral philosophy is not in the UK school curriculum, sadly - is it anywhere?

[@highmyope-ps2by]

Jo Hamilton's death stare is wonderful. I am trying to copy it.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. Yes, I am trying it too :)

[@jonnyhifi]

Again Paul - so insightful. I hope this insight makes its way to the KCs, the inquiry and the police . your idea shows how more can be gleaned from “I don’t remember” than the people saying it would like or expect.

[@brianhepke7182]

What irked me with Alice Perkins was how her attitude changed from being "respectful" when questioned by the inquiry team to being outright condescending and rude with the core participants. At one point, she said she was tired..in such a manner as if to say, "Who are you to question me?" She came across as an uptight school mistress.

[@sapinballwizard]

The axe forgets, but the tree remembers.

[@minechaftgamer288]

Wish she was called straight out on the pathetic and obvious lie that she hadn't seen emails sent straight to her from the CEO

[@marybusch6182]

PERJURY is a crime for ONLY the little people.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. You make a good point, I wished that too.

[@GriffMJ]

.... Mrs Jack Straw. You know, the man that gave "Klaus Schwab" (WEF) an honorary Knighthood. Home Secretary from 1997 to 2001, and Foreign Secretary from 2001 to 2006 under Blair. He was a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Blackburn from 1979 to 2015.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, you make a nice connection there.

[@kennethscott4190]

Send her to jail until her memory comes back.

[@davidnash8586]

I am 75 and not an important person but I’ll tell you what, I remember EVERY lie I’ve ever told ! Of course I’ll never admit to any of them and keep them for those sudden forehead smacking moments when I’m driving on my own so I reckon all these appalling witnesses recall EXACTLY what they received and read and ignored however many years ago it was !

[@marybusch6182]

Maybe not. We have no clue how many lies they have told.

[@TheStratpicker]

Interesting as usual. Vennell’s email comments about The One Show are revealing, particularly the use of ‘human interest’ in a dismissive phrase, as if human interest were of no importance - ah, maybe that’s the point. Further, Jo admitted false accounting as a last resort, and on the advice of her lawyer I understand; throwing an incomplete version of this back in her face in a professional email to her team, is indicative of malintent. The selective use of relevant facts being part of the strategy to undermine victims. Regarding Perkins, I suspect her memory is far better than she let on, and “do not recall” seems to be the linguistic element of a device known as sweeping it under the carpet. Vennells’ attitude is truly shocking, and I find it hard to believe that anyone could not register that. On the subject of “can’t” versus “don’t” recall/remember, there is a subtle difference. Can’t refers to the ability to recall/remember. Don’t recall/remember, suggests a more permanent state (negative present simple tense). I think I've heard "don't remember" far more often than "can't remember" throughout the inquiry. Much better to hide behind a permanent state than conjure up recollections that you have intentionally swept under a carpet - gone, but not forgotten? OK, I’ll shut up now.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. And, please don't shut up. You make some great points :)

[@keithbrowning3899]

The 'curiosity gene' seemed to be lacking in all these PO individuals, especially those who have a job description of 'investigator'.

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

Just found you , very interesting Thankyou , basically all high level operatives do not give a damn about those below them . Once many years I had to dismiss a colleague who I had persuaded to join my company because I could no longer afford to pay him ; it was extremely hard to tell him ! .

[@barbaragierc8499]

Once again thank you for your insight on this awful awful miscarriage of justice. It is difficult not to get angry and frustrated with those that are giving evidence when your point of view is the belief they have lied. Bravo Jo Hamilton for your presence and dignity while you sit patiently during the inquiry. I am not sure I could have been so courageous and calm you are an inspiration.

[@davidmosey687]

Absolutely spot on! Thank you for your (always) compelling narrative and your consistent (and compelling) sense of humanity.

[@Wee_Langside]

The last few days there have been politicians being questioned. What comes out very clearly is that almost all didn't make any effort to question what their civil servants were telling them, Jo Swinson seems to have made an effort but got fobbed off. They were quite happy for the civil servants to refer complaints from the Subpostmasters back to POL. The Post Office of course said there's nothing wrong here. What is of concern to me is that the civil servants will be doing the same to all members of the government and not a single politician is asking a single difficult question

[@clivehorridge]

“Shouting at your Telly is effective” love it, thank you Paul, even though I haven’t watched a Telly for 25 years. 👌

[@telmas7183]

They all hide behind the amnesia mitigation but it's how they're told to respond by their briefs!

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting and to say you made an excellent point.

[@roswilliams2899]

who pays for their briefs? It had better not be us.

[@MMulcair]

Don't these people realise that admitting "Yes I was wrong, I was blinded by bias, I filtered everything through my own prejudices, there were plenty of signs I should have picked up on if I was more open minded, and I'm sorry" would make them look MUCH better than pretending not to know or remember or be responsible for anything at all?

[@roswilliams2899]

They aren't intelligent enough to understand that. So it seems being thick is the ideal qualification for such jobs.

[@IanHodgetts]

I've recently come to a very similar conclusion in my own life about a "lack of attention"; inferring that the people involved "just didn't care" (or at least had very different priorities). You are so insightful!

[@creators10]

I have never seen such composed and silent contempt which I read in Jo Hamilton, I would not have wanted to face that, it was terrifying.

[@jingshelpmaboab]

Bang on about the notes. I kept a day book throughout my working life which increasingly became a record of decisions taken, why and who was involved, there for my future reference if required. I kept them for years.

[@russellferriday8191]

I watch maybe an hour or two of the inquiry most days, so my thoughts are not definative. But one thing that strikes me is the total lack of anyone. Ever. saying writing or emailing anything along the lines of. . "Are we sure we are not prosicuting people unjustly?"

[@PaulDuckett]

Nicely put Russell, thanks for posting. p

[@lifeonanotherplanet]

Then there are the moments of clarity, when the mist clears, recalling meetings in corridors or informal, undocumented discussions which indicate they were doing their best with limited information or technical expertise, trusting others to do their jobs faithfully despite the inherent conflicts of interest in the PO and Fujitsu.

[@marybusch6182]

I remember an incident where 3 contractors were involved with an issue. It was finally resolved but nobody acknowledged who drooped the ball. Or even who fixed it. There's always plenty of glory and blame to go around, but only the entitled profit. And by God those people at the post office profited and so did fugitsu. Claw back something for sure and make at least a Half ass attempt at compensating th victims for all their stresses as well as their clear financial losses.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you post. It was a good one :)

[@JamesLynch-z3t]

I think Jo Hamilton deserves a programme to herself. She appears at the inquest so faithfully. After what she went through (not forgetting about Seema and Lee!) she deserves a lot of recognition. Enjoying your outlook.

[@lululand1653]

Your contribution Paul is greatly appreciated.

[@krystianataylor9746]

Paul...just wanted to say I love your thought provoking analysis and outside/in view of the Post Office Horizon Inquiry. I have been watching also here in Australia (Queensland) and here in the UK (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) with similar reflections that you yourself have expressed. I did my degree in Psychology & Criminology some years ago now and the blatant avoidance of answering the simple question is very annoying to the trained eye never mind the lay-person. I do hope (although I suspect nothing with real comfort to the postmasters) will happen legally to those that were and are today culpable and quilty of so much corporate and legal wrongdoing. I hope at least some will lose the right to practice or work at a managerial level and cause the harm inflicted on so many subpostmasters and their families. They should and I hope they are ashamed of themselves. As I said earlier loving your content and any watcher or student will surely find your channel interesting, informative and educational....Oh and not forgetting your sense of wit and wry humour which I love! :)

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. I find the best students who do psychology are those who combine it with criminology - they are often driven by socail justice. Sounds like you are one of them. And, thank you for your lovely encouragement.

[@peterdyson49]

Instructive analysis.and reflections as always. Keep them coming. You are appreciated.

[@barryporteous4904]

Thank goodness for emails! I have noticed very few hand written records throughout this inquiry. If this had happened pre-internet, along with possible secret bonfires destroying typed and handwritten notes, these witnesses would possibly have had a lot less to worry about.

[@blue2sco]

They are not lying it's selective amnesia. Get them into the same court and treat them the same way the SPM's got treated and charge them with fraud, perjury, and perverted case of justice.

[@PaulDuckett]

Excellent post. You make your point with force and brevity. Thank you. p

[@blue2sco]

@PaulDuckett it's all this "what we/I know now" well what about then at the time? What did you do or didn't do is what they ate really trying to find out.

[@robertmoss9468]

I was a Union Steward for over 45 years in different capacities. My latest was within a large supermarket supply chain warehouse. It was a 60 mile round trip from my home and I used to share this trip with one of the depot’s managers. Much to the wonder of the people I represented, was I in the managements pocket, of course not I was in his head and he didn’t ever suspect it. We covered many work topics an and all of theses discussions endings were carefully timed with a cutting parting shot as either him or me stepped out of the car from myself. Poor chap must have rued the day he agreed to share a lift with me. One of the quips I used often was, you have never driven a truck, you have never received a load, never loaded to trailer full of goods and never picked a box. Now tell me how on this earth know what it’s like to do a hard days work if you have never ever done what my guys do day in and day out. I hope it caused him sleepless nights.

[@ro1summers175]

Hearing you break down the testimony is like a hug to my sanity. Please continue your wonderful discourse... (*Just your opinion, non-liable, of course.) 😘

[@debbieskinner7268]

Your analyses are one of the reasons I romped through a psychology degree a number of years ago. Not that I knew your analyses then, but I wish I had been able to enjoy them at the time. Thank you

[@tonyb83]

You are so right...Jo Hamilton is behaving wonderfully. Your description of her behaviour .... "Skewering them with her stare" and "Slow roasting them", are so graphic I can visualise it, literally......

[@silentwitness247]

You are spot on, well done. I hope the Inquiry will deliver the outcome we all think is right.

[@listener-md]

The very reason why the government is willing to have public enquiries solely because defendants can say they don't remember rather than "no comment". They're going down anyway.

[@roswilliams2899]

Well they'd better go down...

[@wyvernmodelrailway]

The thing about saying "I don't remember" is that later they can't suddenly remember again to help them out if there is subsequent proceedings.

[@jimwoods9551]

I often struggle to remember the grocery list when I get to the shop, but I can still recall important business meetings over forty five years ago in great detail, who was there and notable phrases spoken. I'm sure I'd have recall every "Oh Dear!" moment I'm my career when threatening news became apparent. The concentration of females in this credibility black hole is notable. They have shown great loyalty to one another in not breaking ranks. The most obvious villain was clearly doing the expressed or implied bidding of the more senior persons, and yet she hasn't the sense to confess fully and implore sympathy. I hope when judgement is delivered it won't be visited solely on the one or two "patsy's.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. Just wanted to say thank you for you post, you make an excellent point.

[@chrissailing8856]

Re: Tim Parker. Could you look at the interplay between Tim Parker and Allen Lyons. As long-standing Company Secretary and being all/knowing having been in POL over 30 years since she was a Graduate Trainee, she controlled the papers and messages in and out of the board. She controlled the narrative. She was also very dismissive, uncomplimentary and outwardly uncaring towards several parties.

[@PaulDuckett]

Hi Chris, So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. Great suggestion. I will put that on my list of videos to look into :)

[@waynedavies5569]

I have actually watched the full version of Alice Perkins giving her evidence at the POL inquiry. I totally agree with you, the overall reaction I have is that if we are to believe she was telling the truth, then she wasn’t doing her job properly …and also she didn’t care !

[@PaulDuckett]

Great point, thanks for posting this Wayne.

[@GeoffreyMH]

Wonderful, very helpful. You do care. Thank you.

[@PaulDuckett]

Thanks so much for your continued encouragement Geoffrey. I really appreciate it. p

[@wanderingyoutube]

I wholly agree. The next time someone says 'I can't remember,' counter with 'You mean that it wasn't significant or important to you at the time? Surely it was, because you did nothing.'

[@gavinoliver7655]

11,17 that is a thing of beauty. Senior managers being "hit" with that charge in a pubic court would be something to behold. No more acceptance of poor memory/recall as a defence. If you don't recall it, it must be because it wasn't important to you. In this particular case, AP must have been horrified when she saw it (I don't believe she did not, on either occasion it was issued) but knew she couldn't possibly acknowldgwe it in any way because if she (AP) did ,it was going to end very badly for PV.

[@durhamgrigg3125]

Your thoughts and observations are much appreciated!! one on Tim Parker is a must!!! Thanks ... whenever!!

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, your patience and your encouragement :)

[@MatthewBelsey]

Each one they wheel out is more despicable and revolting than the last.

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

The vilest yet was on on Friday 26th. One Martin Edwards. He had all the charm and charisma of a hybrid of Martin Bormann and Uriah Heep. Not even able to lie half-convincingly. His voice began to break up at the end of his 'evidence.' Yet this creature is still in a senior position within the Post Office? Astonishing!!

[@LordoftheFleet]

Can't remember was made to remember. Don't know was made to know. Don't care was made to care!!!

[@gascaptain]

I'm guessing that she cared enough to cash her pay cheques

[@roswilliams2899]

Venal like Vennells ?

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, your make an excellent point!

[@JohnMoore-q1g]

classic response I don't recall what I recalled at the time, awesome 😂

[@brianrogers3159]

Great videos, and really insightful, thank you Paul.

[@paula7084]

An excellent analysis . Thank you .

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate your lovely encouragement.

[@paula7084]

@@PaulDuckett No problem . Keep up the great work .

[@andypickett1]

Thank you for your excellent analysis, and "shifty Tim" both really interesting. My personal view now is that Alwyn Lyons had a significant role in the cover up and she had the same answer strategy. Hope you're enjoying Australia. 🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@williamdyer3165]

“They don’t care”. Applies to so many organizations these days. Councils, governments, police, schools the list is endless. With apologies to those who do care but are drowned out.

[@3GreeneBJ]

They never did. Its the way the world is constructed. "Lost in space" I call us. No rules no laws no credo and any that are invented or forthcoming are soon kicked into touch, Can you recite The Ten Commandments? "What that tosh designed to pin me down"

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting.

[@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984]

That's one of the great aspects of public inquiries. You can deny all knowledge of the past, and, if you're really creative, escape potential prosecution's. But for some, the inevitable awaits. Dr Paul must be a "details man." 😊

[@PaulDuckett]

I might be a details man, but also a tardy man! So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, I loved it.

[@roswilliams2899]

When will the police do something about these crooks?

[@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984]

​@@roswilliams2899 It's possible that the Police and the CPS will consider prosecutions. Even if prosecutions go ahead, those responsible will get short sentences and possibly a cautionary slap on the wrist. Its important to remember that Vennells made a major profit for the Post Office during her tenure, so I doubt Vennells will get a substantial sentence. Often it's the more mid to low level foot soldiers that get wacked hard.

[@roswilliams2899]

@@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984 All we can do it seems is hope for the best....

[@BoadiceanRevenge]

One element totally lacking in most of the witnesses is that of Humility. None. Zilch. Zero. 🙏⚖️🙏

[@DerrickJenkins-s6c]

Another great take on an inquiry witness, Paul. Your take on the dreadful Alice Perkins was spot-on: she doesn't care. Shocking, but true. Listening to people like her (and the insufferable buffoon Tim Parker) have made me shout many obscenities. (I'm normally very mild-mannered). What's so striking about many of the inquiry witnesses is that virtually none of them took any contemporaneous notes of events as they unfolded. Quite honestly, I find this to be unbelievable. A more likely occurence is that notes WERE taken at the time but now, when the heat is on, they have been 'lost' (shredded) so as not to leave a paper trail. When you have time, I'd be very interested in your judgment of Ed Davey's shambolic performance the other day. The incident which was particularly striking, and highlighted his incompetence, was when he claimed not to have received an original letter from someone, yet blithely signed his supposed 'reply' without bothering to ask to see the original! Thanks so much for all your valuable work, mate. You're a good man who performs a great service that is much needed in this age of blatant lies and cover-ups. Bless you.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry how crazy late my acknowledge of your comment has been, but just wanted to say how much I appreciate you posting. Your make some excellent points and your encouragement was lovely.

[@makeitwork3929]

Surprise surprise more inquiry, more amnesia and zero arrests

[@rsf5898]

Always a very interesting commentary from you.

[@BillNelson-i2g]

Excellent thank you. Another layer in support of your approach, perhaps, is to assess the culture of POL as evidenced by social groupings and interactions - from the emails shown in this video, very much them and us, rather than we?

[@martinriley106]

You could also infer that she agreed with the response? Which may explain why she can’t now remember?

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my ridiculously late reply - am trying to reply to all comments, but I had so many that it's put me way behind! So, a belated thanks for you comment, you make an excellent inference here. Nicely done.

[@markgoscinski3509]

DR Duckett , having followed the inquiry diligently as an outsider , your take on this Alice Perkins cross examination is great , but why oh why didn't I grasp that "they didn't care" grab me ! It's exactly what she was saying and also many others , little people of no consequence to themselves and who cares if they go to jail as long as I achieve my executive targets for the business .

[@harrysmith6502]

She looks like she could stand up and do a Max Wall impression.

[@neilmorrison7356]

That was a very good take on things.

[@PaulDuckett]

So sorry for my late response. thanks for your feedback. Glad you liked it. p

[@English_TK]

Great stuff as usual. I noticed this whole "with hindsight" excuse. I cannot help thinking if someone has the skills and experience then hindsight isn't required. So I am translating "with hindsight" as "I didn't have the skills and experience to know better".

[@PaulDuckett]

Nicely put. Thanks for posting. p

[@ctmorrison]

another tack for questioning historical acts is what would you expect to happen if you received this yesterday and was it done

[@harrysmith6502]

Thank you for explaining what’s going on more clearly. However, I’m wondering, would an NDA still have purpose in the enquiry and would some of the PO staff interviewed have one. ? Thank you.

[@Musicmyvideo]

Myra Hindley, Rosemary West, Lucy Letby, Alice Perkins.