Post Office scandal: MP says government must avoid 'knee-jerk' reaction

The Horizon system was designed to record the transactions carried out in Post Office branches

An MP whose constituency is home to the UK headquarters of the firm which worked on the failed Post Office computer system says the government must avoid "knee-jerk reactions".

Fujitsu developed Horizon, which led to false accounting and theft convictions. It employs 7,000 people nationally and its UK headquarters are in Bracknell.

MP James Sunderland has urged the public "not to make unfair accusations" against the company's employees.

Fujitsu has previously apologised.

Hundred of sub-postmasters were wrongfully convicted

Mr Sunderland, a Conservative who has represented Bracknell since 2019, said: "As a valued local employer, it is important that we compartmentalise this work carefully and avoid knee-jerk reactions to ensure that we achieve a fully objective outcome.

"I am keen to see that the full compensation entitlement is quickly paid to all victims, that wrongful convictions are overturned and that those who wilfully or negligently presided over this misery are brought to account through criminal prosecutions.

"In respect of Fujitsu, we do need to wait for the findings of the public inquiry and maintain the integrity of any police investigation."

The government has said Fujitsu would be "held accountable".

In a statement, a spokesperson for Fujitsu said: "The Inquiry has reinforced the devastating impact on postmasters' lives and that of their families, and Fujitsu has apologised for its role in their suffering.

"Fujitsu is fully committed to supporting the Inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it. Out of respect for the Inquiry process, it would be inappropriate for Fujitsu to comment further at this time."

More on the Post Office scandal

• Follow live: Latest updates

• Why were hundreds of Post Office workers prosecuted?

• How Post Office drama shone light on scandal

• 'Racism affected our treatment in Horizon scandal'

• The village where Post Office scandal battle began

Correction 22 January 2024: An earlier version of this article wrongly implied Mr Sunderland was representing Fujitsu. The article has now been corrected.

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