(qlmbusinessnews.com Wed, 109th Jan, 2024) London, UK —
“Uproar in the UK: Paula Vennells Surrenders CBE Over Post Office IT Scandal Backlash”
In a dramatic turn of events, former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells has decided to hand back her CBE amidst escalating pressure linked to the Horizon IT scandal. Over 700 sub-postmasters faced prosecution between 1999 and 2015, relying on flawed Horizon software data. The ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” has recently reignited public interest in what's described as one of the UK's most widespread miscarriages of justice.
Vennells, who led the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, expressed regret for the devastation caused to sub-postmasters and their families due to the Horizon system. More than a million people supported a petition urging her to lose the CBE, leading to her decision.
The UK government is contemplating a plan, expected later this week, to aid wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters, including the possibility of enacting new legislation for exoneration. The ongoing public inquiry into the scandal will resume this Thursday, with technology company Fujitsu, responsible for the Horizon system, set to answer questions from MPs.
Vennells received her CBE in the 2019 New Year's Honours, despite ongoing legal action against the Post Office. The Communication Workers Union dismissed her gesture as token and called for the return of performance-related bonuses received during her tenure.
While Downing Street and victims acknowledge Vennells' decision, the formal process requires the involvement of King Charles to strip the honour. The call for legislative action to quash convictions has gained traction, although opinions on this approach vary.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk supports the idea of using legislation to address the convictions, but former attorney general Dominic Grieve insists on individual case considerations by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
The Horizon scandal is considered the most extensive miscarriage of justice in British history, yet only 93 convictions have been overturned to date, with many victims still fighting for justice.
#PostOfficeScandal #HorizonIT #PaulaVennells #CBE #UKJustice #LegalNews #MiscarriageOfJustice
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