On 10 January, the Prime Minister announced a major step forward in response to the Horizon scandal. He confirmed that the Government would introduce new primary legislation to make sure that those convicted because of the Horizon scandal, are swiftly exonerated and compensated.
The Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake MP, has written to all MPs confirming the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill was introduced to the Commons last week. Mrs Lopez welcomes this Bill.
The Bill sets out a clear set of objective criteria which identifies the convictions which are in scope. Individuals whose convictions meet the criteria will have these convictions automatically quashed at Royal Assent, without any action on their part. Records such as the Police National Computer will be amended and individuals will be notified and invited to apply for financial redress.
Mrs Lopez knows this Bill will right some of the wrongs of the Horizon scandal and will be supporting its passage through the Commons. You can read the Minister’s full letter below.