Ministers to Clear Records Despite Potential Consequences
MINISTERS are prepared to wipe clean the records of numerous Post Office scandal victims, even if it means that some actual criminals might walk free.
Unveiling of Proposed Legislation
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak introduced emergency legislation earlier this year to overturn the convictions of subpostmasters who were wrongly accused in the Horizon scandal, following immense public pressure.
Justice for Postmasters
Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake stated that the forthcoming law would provide long-overdue justice for postmasters who were wronged in the scandal.
Price Worth Paying for Justice
Despite the possibility of exonerating those who are truly guilty, Minister Hollinrake emphasized that clearing innocent individuals' names is a "price worth paying."
New Law Expected by End of July
The legislation is set to take effect by the end of July, aiming to clear the majority of victims impacted by the scandal.
Background on the Horizon Scandal
Between 1999 and 2015, hundreds of subpostmasters received criminal convictions due to faulty Horizon IT software falsely indicating missing funds.
Ensuring Justice Prevails
The new law will focus on specific criteria to quash convictions related to offenses during the Horizon IT system's use, such as theft and false accounting.
Extending Support Beyond England and Wales
The legislation will apply to convictions in England and Wales, with arrangements being made to compensate victims in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well.
Call for Swift Implementation
Campaigners, including Labour former minister Kevan Jones, emphasize the importance of expediting the passage of the new law to ensure justice is served promptly.
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https://hellofaread.com/politics/michael-gove-stands-by-lindsay-hoyle-amid-commons-chaos/
