Cameron ‘doesn’t recall’ being briefed on Post Office scandal as PM – but sorry for ‘appalling miscarriage of justice’ | UK News
The apology by the previous Tory chief comes amid persevering with fallout from the Post Office debacle that led to what has been branded the largest miscarriage of justice in British authorized historical past, which noticed folks wrongly jailed and even take their very own lives.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has mentioned he can not bear in mind receiving an in depth briefing in regards to the Horizon scandal whereas he was prime minister – but says he’s sorry for an “appalling miscarriage of justice”.
The apology by the former Tory chief and MP comes amid persevering with fallout from the Post Office debacle that led to what has been branded the largest miscarriage of justice in British authorized historical past.
The scandal noticed lots of of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted of stealing after defective Fujitsu accounting software program made it seem as although cash was lacking at their branches.
The Post Office additionally compelled not less than 4,000 department managers pay again money based mostly on the flawed knowledge.
Some victims have been despatched to jail or financially ruined, others have been shunned by their communities, whereas some took their very own lives.
The lengthy-working battle for justice accelerated dramatically after ITV broadcast the drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which highlighted the outrage earlier this month.
Speaking to Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Philips, Lord Cameron mentioned: “I don’t recall in any detail being briefed or being aware of the scale of this issue.”
He added that it’s “hard to remember every letter and piece of paper that is put in front of you”.
But the Conservative Cabinet minister went on: “This is an appalling miscarriage of justice and anyone who’s been involved in government in any way over the last 20 years has got to be extremely sorry, as I am, about what has happened.”
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Days after the TV drama aired, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak introduced these wrongly prosecuted in England and Wales would have their names cleared beneath emergency blanket laws.
Meanwhile, Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake mentioned these accountable for the scandal must be jailed, arguing it could be the “ultimate deterrent” to prosecute and lock up these accountable.