Two weeks ago, I spend the morning questioning the current CEO of the Post Office. As part of the Business and Trade Committee the current boss was brought to Parliament to answer questions relating to the Horizon scandal.
Many of you will have seen the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office. And like me, been appalled at the treatment sub postmasters received. Over a sustained period, the failure to take on board legitimate concerns saw one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history, destroying livelihoods, reputations, and causing financial ruin for thousands.
Of course, this scandal happened before I was the MP, and under a different Post Office CEO. But that doesn’t change what we need to do in the here and now – in fact, arguably, the fact that it has dragged on for so long means it’s more important than ever that we grip it and make it right. It’s simply not good enough for this to be swept under the carpet and is why I’m fully supportive of providing beefed up financial compensation and, crucially, legislation which will squash all these convictions. For the Post Office, they have some very serious questions to answer.
My input in the Committee focused on why, when so many were raising concerns, was the issue not properly investigated. If anything, the lack of ‘corporate curiosity’ from the very top allowed this scandal to engulf so many.
And that was the shock – that this wasn’t properly investigated by those in a position to do so. That should never be the case and is why this week I have raised a new issue that has been brought to my attention, by families across Burnley and Padiham, surrounding defective cavity wall insulation. To have multiple residents faced with legal costs in excess of £15,000 due to a legal firm – SSB Law - going into administration having promised the world, is scandalous.
That’s why on Thursday I raised this in Parliament on behalf of those impacted. Because whilst it will ultimately come down to the courts, and whoever takes on board SSB’s case load, it’s important that a timely resolution is had. The anxiety this is causing those who have contacted me is palpable, and I’m doing whatever I can to assist.
Please, if you find yourself caught up in this, my advice is to seek legal advice as soon as you can.
And if you’d like to watch my interaction with the CEO of the Post Office, please visit www.antonyhig.co.uk/postoffice
