Post Office used ‘unacceptable’ racist slur to describe Horizon scandal suspects

As if wrongly prosecuting hundreds of people wasn't enough - now the Post Office has been forced to apologise for using racist terms to describe postmasters caught up in the Horizon computer scandal.
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A newly revealed internal document shows fraud investigators were asked to group people based on their racial features - using language the Post Office has now admitted was "unacceptable".
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[@kiri101]

This utterly ruined my uncle. He lost his business, his home, his children, everything. The community he served for years looked at him like a criminal. Also when his Post Office shut down the community no longer had access to one unless they could drive for an hour, which hurt the poor and elderly alot.

[@jamiecurran3544]

That's terrible!😔, I hope he gets some compensation n justice for being wronged!🤔🙏

[@kiriakoz]

I’m very sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine the pain that would’ve caused him. As men, respect and our standing in the community is very important to us.

[@digglerdudeuk]

How are the people responsible for this not in jail?!

[@davidrichaidson3269]

we!!the biggest scandal of all this is the woman who was chief executive during all this was kicked upstairs - ah!! but then that chief executive was white!! tells you all anyone needs to know!!

[@stanthemafia]

@BrianT what’s that got to do with this case ?

[@tvted6160]

@BrianT gibberish

[@Hartley_Hare]

@BrianT Find a thread on that subject and post on it. You may as well be talking about wheel nuts for a Ford Cortina.

[@Hartley_Hare]

@BrianT Whose double standards?

[@Anabsurdsuggestion]

I am so sickened by these bastards. Not one has faced justice. 60 now dead without having ever received compensation.

[@Pirapo65]

Sad to see how hard working small businesspeople providing a valuable service to their community were being treated by a government supposedly supportive of the self-employed. The fact that something as irrelevant as race was used to discriminate against these particular people is even more disturbing.

[@josephhughes1498]

Government have long treated the self-employed badly, let mostly only the big companies get away with not paying tax, little support during Covid, little support during energy cost crisis & cost of living crisis…

[@Pirapo65]

@@josephhughes1498 but this is on a whole new level. People have gone bankrupt, to prison and even suicide.

[@airingcupboard]

Disgusting. They need to compensate all those wronged.

[@janeday9148]

The Post office senior management are truly disgusting again why were they not prosecuted were are the police in this ? where is the justice in this country ? This poor woman and the other victims .No compensation would be ever be enough.

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

It's all very well holding the Post Office to account for this atrocious scandal, but what about the lawyers and judges who enabled it? How can a miscarriage of justice of this scale pass through the court system?

[@ony583]

How can a miscarriage of justice of this scale pass through the court system? The Wild West: The Magistrates Court: "The truth is that the entire case in favour of magistrates courts as we currently run them, is a sham. There is little sustainable rationale for their existence in principle, and no justification whatsoever for the way in which these courts operate in practice. There is no excuse for the amateur, sausage-factory paradigm of Justice and "that'll do" complacency that pervades 94% of criminal cases, other than the most cynical political trinity: its cheap, it's the way we've always done it and no one who votes either knows or cares. And the more you experience magistrates' courts justice, and interrogate the base assumption of this system, the less explicable the whole pantomime becomes." The Secret Barrister

[@haydenharris3059]

Because it seems the prosecution, in this case, was to make you guilty, rather than establish that you were or not.

[@ony583]

@@haydenharris3059 that's thier role though, your only hope is that you have a good lawyer to defend you, but unfortunately most of them just go with the flow and do next to nothing, especially if they are funded by legal aid, the CJS is a joke, don't ever expect justice from it.

[@victoredwards3959]

@@ony583 . It’s not as easy as that , when an individual enter the criminal justice process, you have the might of the police investigating power against you, and they assumed that you are guilty from the onset, and they are looking for very little evidence to support their case against you, even if anything comes up to prove otherwise, the police will ignore it , also you have the might of crown prosecution lawyers against you , this organisation have huge resources and money behind them. And unfortunately, most defendants are advised to plead guilty, because they don’t the resources and money to carry out proper investigations on behalf of their clients. A guilty plea makes the defence lawyers job easy. You can have about 7 police officers assigned to investigate one defendant. And 3 crown prosecutors working on a cases . Usually extremely experienced lawyers and police officers vs just one solicitor , usually your barrister don’t get involved in your cases until 3 weeks before trial.

[@ony583]

@@victoredwards3959 I agree, I'm aware of all that, (I've been there and researched these matters in great detail) as well as the fact the barrister will often only get handed the prosecution case file just before they enter the court room, meaning they just skim through it and have no time to prepare a defence. There is also this from my first comment that you might of missed. The Wild West: The Magistrates Court: "The truth is that the entire case in favour of magistrates courts as we currently run them, is a sham. There is little sustainable rationale for their existence in principle, and no justification whatsoever for the way in which these courts operate in practice. There is no excuse for the amateur, sausage-factory paradigm of Justice and "that'll do" complacency that pervades 94% of criminal cases, other than the most cynical political trinity: its cheap, it's the way we've always done it and no one who votes either knows or cares. And the more you experience magistrates' courts justice, and interrogate the base assumption of this system, the less explicable the whole pantomime becomes." The Secret Barrister So I agree, there's nothing easy about defending yourself from the CJS.

[@BsktImp]

Paula Vennells, CEO at the time of the scandal, unbelievably given a CBE in 2019 "for services to the Post Office and charity" and only resigned as a CoE priest (!!) under pressure.

[@andrewjones-productions]

The Post Office are one culprit, but Fujitsu is another. Here in Japan, they are responsible for the new 'My Number Card' system. This credit card sized card was introduced by the Japanese Government to make getting documents easier, acting a s a health insurance card and in the future, to also be a driving licence. However, in the last few weeks, there has bee a scandal where people have been using the card and the data pertaining to completely different people, including their bank details and tax details on earnings have been erroneously issued. The company behind this system with major glitches? Fujitsu. This company is terrible and should never have been entrusted with either the Post Office system or the Japanese 'My Number Card' system. They should be investigated in the UK for negligence and prosecuted.

[@ureshii99]

Post Office and Fujitsu need a class action and be sued for £billions for this. This should bankrupt them as they’re inept companies anyway, let the market replace them with competent companies

[@neckbone6976]

👑 Post offices had a air of colonialism with the Asians playing the historical no.2 hence the vile language used...

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

They chose to run post offices. Nobody forced them to.

[@neckbone6976]

@@Woodman-Spare-that-tree... 👑 The point was about the enslaved mind that can never be emancipated ‼️

[@stephenfowlie742]

Imprison those responsible!

[@AllIsWellaus]

Having lived in the uk for a number of years where I saw a level of everyday corruption, hostility and general aggression towards my demographic but not exclusive to. I was to learn after returning home more mature, certainly far more streetwise, that xenophobic, classism, as a greatly devoid from the country. Ironically after a global recession in 2008, I noticed that insecurity that type of bigotry and racism move into our nation. As more people from the UK, Europe and the America came here trying to escape economic torment from leaving their own respective countries. I know that I want to welcome each person in their own right, so no contribute to theìr own distorted outward, their worldly view.

[@kellykreqeli8924]

It’s disgusting to put people through that and it isn’t going to bring back the people that have taken their own lives the post office are responsible if they had not accused them put them in prison this would not have happened in the first place!

[@cdean2789]

Disgusting but I'm not surprised.

[@willalm830]

how more vile can a company be, there should be long jail terms

[@buttyboy100]

I expect many of those at the top in the Post Office at the time are now safely retired and enjoying good pensions. I say stop their pensions if they are found to have been in the wrong.

[@willalm830]

@@buttyboy100 yes one high in the CofE like the bankers throw the loosing betting slip to the peasent and walk away as Johnson burned other people's 50 pound notes in front of the homeless there is the 1 percent and the screwed 99,%

[@maverick4177]

That’s the Clown Prosecution Service for you If you are a hard working decent person and end up in court, you have had it Be a life long criminal and you will get leniency every single time

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

The Crown Prosecution Service has no involvement in any of this. The Post Office brought the cases to court as a private prosecutor. The Post Office's security has police-like powers, enabling them to 'investigate' crimes themselves, so police forces were bypassed too.

[@maverick4177]

@@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr either - either amounts to the same thing

[@suzannelooms7658]

NOT all those imprisoned have been released. Private Eye magazine revealed that one sub postmaster asserted his innocence, but has been refused a case review. Horizon has been ignored in his case.

[@K4MR4N1UK123]

This is why I am being an Asian never work for any institution but for myself and I am blessed with the skill in IT Software engineering and web development the highly sought after skill in the world and I don’t have to live and work in this country if don’t want to and I don’t have to listen to other people if I don’t want to and I live my life on my own terms. Because I know what goes on in these institutions.

[@AvilaSpectrum]

Regardless of our skin “color” or what our ancestors made mistakes, we’re all spectrum of the human race ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

[@thetonetosser]

There is racism in every organisation. Doesn't matter how big or small. Especially in the denationalised sector like Telecom, BR and the Post Office. They all say the don't tolerate it, but it's rife and they know it.

[@biscuit4259]

Yes it was murder like the Tories murdered 100000’s

[@stephenwalker2924]

This is disgusting. Why haven't these poor people been given their compensation? This should have been sorted out years ago. I'm sure Labour will remind this terrible government about its responsibilities at the next PMQs. I hope so anyway.

[@YA-hm5zy]

Labour are the same as the tories. Democracy is a myth.

[@barashah1171]

what is the cost of human life.....i used to work for this horrible organisation....

[@susanbishop5228]

The post office didn't write these words. Human beings wrote them. Who was it? They must be identified.

[@shh_you_are_wrong]

The individuals responsible should be exposed and not allowed to hide behind 'Post Office', Otherwise all that happens is that everyone condemns it but no-one is ever brought to account.

[@reformerx667]

I cringe every time I think how these poor people were treated, but this latest revelation is just too much. No amount of money can compensate what was done to them and their families, they deserve justice that only prison time for decision makers can bring. But we are unlikely to ever see this happen. Disgraceful.

[@XMan-qu5kl]

TFL is another organisation that will face a scandal of this proportion

[@jermanLuga]

Shockingly currupt organisation with inept managers

[@nickw6025]

This is our Royal Mail. And it can treat people in such an appalling way. Just shows you the Royal family doesn't care about what happens in their name. People expect a government to govern. Instead of playing politics with themselves.

[@amber300c]

It's totally unacceptable.

[@KeithApp]

Absolutely disgusting beyond belief. Some senior employees at Post Office and Fujitsu need to be jailed for corporate fraud.

[@sarahashun1180]

This is the difference between this country and America. It’s absolutely disgusting, makes my blood boil😤

[@OH2023-cj9if]

Now it is Ministry of Justice in bed with Fujitsu. The Common Platform software introduced to criminal courts doesn't work properly, after 3years. Staff are put under stress until they leave, there is a complete denial and they just try and silence people. The CPS saw the state of it and refused to join up, so did police. That's how history is repeating itself.

[@cdean2789]

They should sue.

[@saamamerat1061]

The people who accused them should go to prison.

[@samcrick2349]

Absolutely disgusting case . They should send the senior people of the post office in jail. They will forever have the deaths of those people on their names

[@peterbennett5910]

Alisdair Cameron hiding in plain sight as CFO . Was in post during much of the harm caused. Refuses to answer questions, continues to pick up a high salary and bonuses. There is evidence that he knew about the harm caused to thousands of people. He refuses to take any responsibility. Police need to interview him under caution.

[@rimini201]

Oh really? I thought most of the Chief Executives had arrived after the Post Office carried out their crimes - he should definitely be hauled up to answer some questions

[@rimini201]

Just realised you wrote this 7 months ago 🙈

[@biggiedii4889]

It's so funny how Brits love talking about racism in other countries but when questioned on racism in the UK they go into extreme denial. The UK is a lot more racist than most Brits think.

[@pagethreemodel]

I agree.

[@abc33944]

The correct east going Face must fit in the corporate ladder !

[@DCDPM]

What a dreadful country we have become

[@louisbarrowman9010]

Only a class-obsessed society like Britain could allow those at the top to trample on those they consider below them for so long while granting themselves baubles and bonuses for doing so.

[@kevonslims7269]

I didn’t see this on GB news, I wonder why.

[@richardgallagher4880]

It's the sane as them not chasing those Welsh kids with the video of them chasing the Welsh kids.🤣🤣

[@patshaw4920]

The behaviour of the senior post office staff is despicable, deplorable, and criminal

[@johnflynn5044]

Historic document ! These people at the Post Office should have been sent to prison

[@jonh6503]

Hope they get resolution

[@haydenharris3059]

It's rare I'm lost for words !

[@marlonblade007]

This story is WILD😮

[@davedogge2280]

If possible do not work with franchises because at bare minimum they can dictate terms, also I once worked with a joint venture company briefly between two different UK companies, one was a tech company and the other a travel company - it did not end well due to politics and the company folded 3 months after I left having worked there 10 months. Also working for public or private sector sucks generally and in my experience is full of exploitation and kills your ambition. If you possibly can, build your own private business, it's going to be tough and full of pitfalls but the rewards can be immense. that lady being interviewed who was jailed when pregnant, she looks like she's been put through the mill.

[@AB89DIK]

Wait, the reporter seems to have a pronunciation issue, right??

[@maaziy_ghaziyIYI]

It was cringe mate

[@sackmajik]

They have a speech impediment. So what?

[@AB89DIK]

@@sackmajik Equality of outcome, right? Good luck with that.

[@curiositycloset2359]

This is kind of small fry for the managerial class, considering what they did during the pandemic. The managerial overlords blood lust is at plus 2000 a week now, and it hasn't yet peaked.

[@Will_3rd]

Post Office/Fujitsu did a real number on these poor people. Modern day slavery.

[@Soulboy63]

Be the usual , drag it out until the public forget , no one will pay , a disgrace

[@davidrobertson5700]

Illegal prostitutions not wrongful

[@Lazy_Sundae]

Haha, unless you know something the rest of us don't, I'm assuming you meant prosecutions 🤭

[@DaGoyDidGood]

Nothing new.

[@StratsRUs]

Quelle Surprise

[@jasonking6892]

Huge lawsuits Next story

[@URBeingLiedTo]

Claims of racism are of course the most important factor in this situation. Don't go questioning how this is being reported, that would be very bad.

[@belkentens]

There seems to be a terrible lack of diversity in the sub post office game

[@YA-hm5zy]

No one is stopping you from becoming one.

[@Hartley_Hare]

Open a Post Office then, if it bothers you.

[@curiositycloset2359]

Just build your own post office

[@belkentens]

I’m Indian, so not sure that would redress the lack of diversity…🤔

[@belkentens]

2:13 now the crutches make sense…

[@jasondevon481]

Why is it all about racism now? You never mention racism toward white people, which is far more common.

[@twolessba1087]

read the documents.

[@renszatrapp9639]

Your little flag is a racist trope...

[@abc33944]

The fall guys needed In British society must stand out … Enter the Asians

[@israeldiegoriveragenius2th164]

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

[@888ssss]

ITV News At Ten is to be re-named ITV Opinions At Ten and Channel 4 News is to be renamed Channel 4 Opinions.

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

This is Shocking! Because there’s no racism in India or Pakistan or Bangladesh , is there. Those countries are perfect.

[@RonaldChump]

There's a lot of castism in India. Higher caste Indians can murder Dalits with impunity.

[@aminamangera4871]

Disgusting deflection. Misery, impoverishment, imprisonment and suicides and this is your racist response? Have you no humanity?

[@editor4578]

Yeah ... let's ignore racism because it's everywhere. 🙃

[@Hartley_Hare]

'Racism doesn't matter here because there is racism elsewhere'

[@Kamaltweet]

Oh yeah. Let’s start a new charity to support racism. Your argument has won us over

[@lv3609]

Luckily for UK, Johnson government cleared out the issue with the 2021 report over racism in UK: saying _there is no racism in UK_ 🤔 🤫🤫 🥸 🤣🤣🤣

[@sarahashun1180]

The report used the word Negroid, it’s unbelievable!

[@vijayrai4911]

I am from india I came uk 8 month ago I also face racism… I am engineer … I am in skill work visa … now I see this video I think … I have to go back in my country … and I suggest india skill. Worker who want to Come in uk don’t come … be with our family … I am living here all British are alone and in depression… I realize that india is best in all this thing …

[@davedogge2280]

you may make more monetarily in the UK compared to India but unless you are living in company subsidized housing all that extra cash is going to be sunk into your increased UK living costs. I don't like the UK much either but nowhere is ideal

[@gc6855]

Absolutely disgusting