Post Office scandal inquiry calls for faster compensation scheme

It's been called the most widespread miscarriage of justice in the UK.
(Subscribe: bit.ly/C4_News...)
Over more than a decade, hundreds of entirely innocent sub-postmasters were convicted of fraud because of a faulty IT system.
Many went to prison, others were financially ruined and some died before their names were cleared.
The government and the Post Office have promised full and fair compensation. And the head of the inquiry into the scandal is urging them to make good on their promises to pay out promptly.
-----------------------
Follow us:
Facebook - / channel4news
Twitter - / channel4news
TikTok - / c4news
Instagram - / channel4news

[@monkeyboy8424]

Remember, the government put great effort into covering up their gross negligence in this this matter.

[@ayoadebowale3291]

Always the way with the british government. Never held to account. Yet this poor lady is still suffering and no one pays up.

[@ajs41]

@@ayoadebowale3291 I thought it was the Post Office, not the government?

[@hansiesma16]

@@ajs41 the government owns The Post Office, the Police, the NHS - any shitty company that steals, sets up, cons or murders the general public and it gets covered up? Rest assured that means it’s Government owned.

[@karlmylnere5712]

@@ajs41 The government are major shareholders in the PO and we're totally up to speed with just what was going on , they are running true to form on this, ie throwing as much dung over it in the hope that the whole thing will quietly slip from public notice, if that does not happen they will,as usual , single out a couple of sacrificial lambs and pile all the blame upon them , meanwhile absolving themselves from any blame whatsoever, typical government practice , as usual those at the top walk away , obviously the buck doesn't stop at the top.

[@davidhorn6008]

No NOT 'The British Government', 'The Conservative Government'.

[@hansiesma16]

Why aren’t lawyers queuing up to sue this shitty company?

[@ajs41]

They are, once the inquiry is finished.

[@marionmclean3749]

It's an utter disgrace. Appalling that they have been treated like this.

[@movesky6696]

innocent people and broken it system as for gruesome 2some inside jail cell

[@tonicalloway7227]

Shut up and pay these people now..and put out a formal apology..

[@tonicalloway7227]

We need the post..we don't need another car built..

[@DD-fc1rv]

If they can't pay them immediately, sue the rats. After everything they have put these people through iis disgraceful they can drag there feet on this is just another slap in the face.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Why dyou think the pric£ of basic stamps are going through the roof ¿?

[@TripsandFeasts1]

There are some former/present post office employees who should go to jail for their part in this terrible miscarriage of justice.

[@Robert-cx2ou]

Shameful behaviour by the Authorities, PAY these innocent people there Compensation and Apologise for your blunders

[@ko6el]

And we're pursuing AI 😬 coupled with the pre crime laws they want to bring in , look what happens , these poor people and their families accused of something they haven't done🙏🏻

[@haydenharris3059]

Honestly that man makes ambigious recommendations and why would these people rush when they and the legal sytem make millions. The shame and scandal is off the register. 😮😢 The salient point is the legal system makes you guilty even if your innocent in many cases such as this and maybe others.

[@emm_arr]

Yep - long overdue and avoidabvle to the Nth degree. I think some Post Office bigwigs need police interviews - much like a good many Brexity MPs tdo.

[@s1nb4d59]

So he got a bonus for doing his job?,this is why they all want to be politicians and paymasters in the government,with all the perks and payouts that come with the job,they are cutting everywhere but their own budgets and salary's,time to bring them back into line.

[@yourgirlme9163]

Appalling travesty of justice

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

This is the worst case I can recall of state bullying and wrongful prosecution that I have heard of in GB. TERRIBLE.

[@johnjephcote7636]

This was years ago. People went to prison and families were shamed while walking in their community.

[@michaelclowes1291]

This Government will hold out on paying any form of Compensation as long as they can , they always have done , in every claim they have ever been involved with , it is the Government who is delaying the process no one else . they should be ashamed of themselves.

[@RS-hr8mj]

Call the private bailifs and get a writ from the High Court, to recover your money. You were humiliated, you have the right to cause humiliation in return to the ones who wronged you.

[@freyamiller5113]

So let's get this straight... the powers that be "CLAIM" it was faulty software, but they told all the 100's of sub Postmasters who had the temerity to complain about the disappearance of money into thin air that (the so called losses) are "only happening to you". What this tell me is that it was unlikely to be faulty software, that those in charge scripted their minions to gaslight the Sub Post Masters whilst electronically robbing them through the backdoor and laundering the ill gotten gain through the Bonus system; thus keeping the government happy that the Post Office was making a healthy profit. This was of course at the expense of hardworking, honest British people. No one knows where the money that the Sub Postmasters coughed up (to cover what Dubious behavior) that must have gone on at the Post Office HQ and it is likely that it will never be revealed.. What does this tell us about the British Establishment

[@sararichardson737]

Well well well. That is an interesting viewpoint. Thank you. None of it made any sense but your hypothesis is most plausible

[@sirvikalcrusader3668]

@@sararichardson737 The Sub Postmasters were told the system could not be tampered with or accessed from the Post Office end of the business. from my recollection that claim was tested in court and Siemen's were forced to admit this was untrue and that it was easy to access Horizon remotely and alter the data...ergo given the fact all complainants were told "it's only happening to you" whilst the post office seemingly knowing that to be untrue means the likelyhood is the sub postmasters were being Gaslighted and Robbed by an entity from outside of their business is a strong possibility ..I'm sure the blob will blame the Russians.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Bent Bent Bent.

[@Haberdashery22]

Thank you. You've put it in a nutshell - this is a likely scenario. It makes me sick to the core that there are individuals out there, somewhere out there, who have benefitted from this outrageous scam. Names should be named. The perpetrators have blood on their hands after all.

[@sararichardson737]

Such an extraordinary miscarriage of justice.

[@andrewjones-productions]

One of the main culprits of this scandal is the failure of the system developed by Fujitsu. Currently here in Japan, we are having countless issues and scandals with the 'My Number Card' card system which is a sort of cumulative personal card to get official documents, pay taxes and soon to incorporate our health insurance card and also drivers licence. The developer of the 'My Number Card' computer system is Fujitsu.

[@WhichDoctor1]

interesting to hear we're not the only ones having trouble with that companies products. But the computer system didn't ruined all these peoples lives here by itself. It was the post office and the government actively colluding to cover up the systems failures that was the problem. They were willing to sent thousands of innocent and dedicated members of their own staff to prison rather than admit they were well aware a system they bought from a third party and owed nothing to was defective

[@andrewjones-productions]

@@WhichDoctor1 I agree with you! The cause of the problem and the handling of the problem are two separate issues and the latter the worst - as you say.

[@ajs41]

People are putting too much faith in these types of computerised cards in my opinion.

[@barbaraakinbowale4456]

The whole thing was shockingly disturbing in the first place. Any human being done what these people did to these innocent people should be ashamed of themselves. These people should be compensated for the victim's payout for life given what they've had to endure and life changing experience.

[@trainer1634]

*Don't forget there are just as many Windrush citizens are still waiting 4 their compensations from the Government*

[@daveglasspool6606]

Did anyone from Windrush lose their jobs, homes, some their freedom and some their lives 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

[@jumperontheline]

​@@daveglasspool6606Yes. People were imprisoned and then deported, away from jobs, homes and families,to a country they had left half a century earlier. Many died without learning that they weren't the only one it had happened to, that it was in fact a horrific cockup by the government. Many died before compensation was paid out.

[@JosJo.]

​@@daveglasspool6606 Although the subject is the Post Office scandal; in answer to your question; Yes! People lost their lives, livelihoods, homes & were refused healthcare & benefits despite decades of PAYE tax contributions.

[@yamato7979]

So executives got bonus just for cooperating. Shame on them for taking money when victims not getting any or full compensation.

[@tomhermens7698]

Ridiculous that fhis hsny been dexlt with yet. Outrageous!!!!

[@MANBEARPIG248]

over a decade ago? so around the time it was privatised?

[@tjmarx]

The post office wasn't privatised, it is still a government owned entity. That's why this is a government enquiry and government scheme. If it were a private company this would all be done through the courts as a class action. That's also why her barrister told her she couldn't win, because if was essentially the government accusing her of fraud and pressing charges. You can't win against an entity who controls the entire system including the courts. Royal mail was privatised, the post office was not. They are separate things. Edit: This occurred between 2000 and 2014, under labour governments and before royal mail was privatised. It was the result or a faulty accounting system provided by a third party vendor.

[@pault1289]

​@@tjmarxyes, and the third party supplier Fujitsu was also involved in the cover up. Eventually one of those staff became a whistle blower. The BBC did a great podcast series about it "The Great Post Office Trial", really worth watching.

[@tjmarx]

@@pault1289 The vendor was Horizon IT. They're an international IT company in their own right with familiar links to labour ministers. Yes, they are a subsidiary of Fujitsu but that isn't the same thing as fujitsu itself being involved. There's a level of separation in who was in control and who knew what. Good recommendation though. I've seen it but worth a watch for anyone else interested

[@alexanderevanska4274]

Okay, sue the ground from beneath them, for the delay as well.

[@LeeMills-ml9jm]

How many Post Office "Directors" lost their jobs over this fiasco??

[@donna9374]

OUTRAGEOUS !!!!

[@mikematthews2750]

Paula Vennells should be tried in a court of law .

[@lewishall9043]

Absolutely disgraceful, more people need to be talking about this.

[@avachristina668]

Disgusting that the PO rep was given a bonus for simply engaging with the inquiry whilst he sits infront of people who haven’t yet been compensated. A mockery. Shows nothing has changed at the PO.

[@wontbelongnow5567]

The post office lied about this and the victims post office workers have had their lives ruined in some cases , so how can you compensate that you carnt . They should have a part payment up front now but how much is enough for what the post office have done .

[@random6809]

Calculating loss of earnings and pension contributions should be fairly straightforward. Add to that the loss of equity in the home she likely had to sell, plus a bunch of interest on savings she lost etc. Just don't use the Horizon system to make the calculations...

[@13strange67]

This is emblematic of the Post Office and that hitherto great British institution : the NHS The are both on the way out ! ( dying a slow agonising death by a thousand and one cuts ) a bit like Britain plc I observe there are so few, proper general Post Office buildings in London, now : I saw one close down and turn into flats another into a cinema ( only sub-Post Offices [ sweet shops ] generally run by our asian people )

[@Jeannius19]

It shouldn’t have happened in the first place, but is now taking far too long to resolve. Someone or some people have to be held to account?

[@israeldiegoriveragenius2th164]

Do not comply. No to vaccine passports, no to mandatory vaccines. No to masks, no to tests, a total disgrace

[@simontemplar404]

lol, still touting for the disaffected to monetize?

[@duncansteward4331]

Not surprised that the Post Office is still feighting and draging its feet; its waht these type of comanies do by default as they have no conscience. As highlighted those in charge are to busy giving themselves pay increases and bonus payment.

[@karlmylnere5712]

Duncan steward , absolutely right , they think only of their pay packets , it is more than a disgrace it is the most appalling scenario to have come to light in generations, the government by way of the population own the Post Office so do not expect any truth or regret for their actions , if as usual they can shirk responsibility they most certainly will.

[@davidhorn6008]

God bless Wendy Buffrey and please help bring justice.

[@rezakarampour6286]

Hurry up .

[@KennethSwaby-j9d]

I feel so sorry for these people. Each were told they were the only one.

[@julienewsome7471]

It will never bring those back that took their own lives

[@dotregan1506]

No, it won't but it will go someway to alleviating all the horrendous stress that the others have been under for years. I am absolutely appalled that this awful, awful business is *STILL* going on. That awful woman who was in charge should be stripped of the CBE as well, she should never have got it in the first place. My heart goes out to all of them.

[@supergran1000]

But it isn't just compensation. It's a paying back of the money that the Post Office STOLE from the sub-postmasters (plus interest). Compensation comes ON TOP of that.

[@MickyBlutube]

Why, how even do you stand up in a court under oath and "admit" to something you haven't done? I'm obviously missing something.

[@davidlamb7524]

I agree. What sort of barrister would advise that ? It's actually a crime to lie under oath. She could go to jail for perjury. The barrister has also commited an offence. You're right, it doesn't make much sense. She was innocent so it's impossible for there to be actual proof. Yes. Something is missing from this story.

[@stevejones2310]

You're missing what the poor victim said in the clip. It was to get credit for a guilty plea to avoid prison.

[@stevejones2310]

​@@davidlamb7524it's not pergery or contempt of court nor is is a failure of professional duty by the barrister. It's a massive injustice by the post office in bringing the cases against postmasters/mistresses. That's all.

[@stevejones2310]

*Perjury

[@MickyBlutube]

@@stevejones2310 No I'm not, you're missing the point that she lied under oath

[@kp6215]

Also in United States Postal Services my testimony.

[@KironManuelCards]

Just terrible

[@pateicialane4740]

Interesting

[@colettespooner225]

😢

[@willowingram3370]

MY GRAN

[@dkuandyk2212]

Can you do st with your microphone

[@barryjohn6101]

The same computer system is used by the NHS.

[@RaphaelDawkinsCombatRadio]

Bad legal advice.

[@stevejones2310]

Very pragmatic legal advice, I'd say

[@random6809]

"Bad legal advice." Her stark reality was: 1. Admit guilt, walk away free with a criminal record. 2. Be found guilty (an absolute certainty). Be locked in a concrete room 23 hours a day for the next 3-5 years, and still have the same criminal record on release. Added on top the trauma of being torn away from friends and family. You think she was given bad legal advice? Hope you aren't a barrister!

[@tjmarx]

Important information not included or made explicit in this story. This happened between 2000 and 2014 and resulted in ~700 people being falsely accused of defrauding the post office or other financial crimes. It happened because the post office used flawed accounting software from a third party contractor which made it appear as though there were financial short falls when they in fact were not. The post office is a 100% government owned entity. This happened under a labour government and it ONLY stopped when the Tory's took office. Sir Williams did not make up an arbitrary deadline at all. What he actually said was that a deadline for the scheme does exist and that administrators would not be able to process all claims and issue funds by that date due to legislative restrictions. He said so in the context of calling on government to pass legislation to free up the red tape and allow claims to be processed significantly faster. CH4 completely goofed up this story. Moreover if this had been a Tory/social dems/ukip/whoever else mess they'd have gone to great pains to spell that out. But because this happened under Labour's watch, not a peep of who was in government or even the years it happened between. Public broadcasters are not supposed to have political bias it's in their legally binding charter, but here it is clear as day. One likewise can not call this kind of bias reporting "news". CH4 need new leadership.

[@1inchPunchBowl]

The Tories have been in power for the last 13 yrs. Its on the gov of the day to resolve. What part of that concept are you struggling with?

[@tjmarx]

@@1inchPunchBowlInteresting pseudonym you're hiding behind. The process of over turning convictions, investigating the issue, coming up with a compensation scheme, etc have all happened under the Tory's. The Tory's are the only reason people stopped being wrongfully accused, their convictions overturned and compensation is at all a possibility. The Tory's are the ones fixing labours mistakes. What part of that are you not understanding? This happened while Blair and Brown were PMs of labour governments...

[@simontemplar404]

To be fair injustice occurs under all governments - just look at the tainted blood issue from the 80's. And all governments prefer to kick issues like this into the long grass rather than bite the bullet and sort them out. Could do better applies to all of our political classes.

[@davidlamb7524]

It was introduced in 2015 under a Tory government .

[@tjmarx]

@@davidlamb7524 That is completely false. It was first introduced under Tony Blair in 2000 and continued under Gordon Brown. It ceased in 2014 under David Cameron. This was a labour mess that torys (or any other party really) had to sort out.

[@bassekaman8315]

She didnt fight for herself and now shes angry that the post office is? Iy shouldn5 be discretionsry for them but to the extent that itnis can you nlame them? They have a fedutiary responsibility

[@random6809]

Would you like to try that again, but in English?

[@dotregan1506]

And maybe sober up a bit first.

[@larrydickman5936]

Condolences to the families of those poor souls who took their own lives in this terrible saga. With the benefit of hindsight, I sincerely hope that lessons will be learned this time and post office counter fraud protection procedures will be reviewed thoroughly and vigorously to ensure that this doesn't occur again. Prayers and resolve

[@stu1964]

These people should be hugely compensated. Government and post office should be convicted and jailed just like the poor sub post masters and their families…….