Post Office scandal: government to exonerate victims
Jan 10, 2024
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In this episode, Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman discuss the government's plan to exonerate victims of the Post Office scandal. They also delve into concerns about the erosion of separation of powers and the political impact of the scandal. Furthermore, they explore how a prominent political leader has been affected by the scandal and the efforts of the Liberal Democrats. Lastly, they discuss the topic of migration at PMQs and the upcoming Safety of Rwanda Bill.
The government will introduce legislation to exonerate victims of the Post Office scandal, addressing the wrongful convictions of subpostmasters.
The Safety of Roam Bill is causing division within the Conservative Party, with rebels seeking amendments and posing a potential challenge to Rishi Sunak's leadership.
Deep dives
Government Compensating Victims of Post Office Scandal
Rishi Sunak announced the government's plan to compensate those affected in the post office scandal during PMQ's. Legislation will be introduced that would effectively lead to a mass exoneration of subpostmasters who were wrongly convicted using horizon evidence. Kevin Hollenrake, the minister dealing with postal services, provided more details on the bill, which would allow those convicted to sign a statement of innocence but could also leave room for further prosecution if evidence of theft emerges. Legal experts are concerned about the precedent this could set in undermining the separation of powers between Parliament and the judiciary.
Political Consequences and Resolving the Scandal
The post office scandal has become a political issue for all major parties, with each having some connection or responsibility to the issue. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, face public scrutiny and questions over their handling of the scandal. The government's compensation plan and upcoming legislation will not fully resolve the issue, but it is seen as a step in the right direction. Cross-party effort is expected to support the bill and various amendments and demands may arise during the process. The scandal has raised concerns about the slow response and cultural problems within Westminster in addressing issues affecting frontline workers.
The Safety of Roam Bill and Political Dynamics
The main topic discussed during PMQ's was migration, but the focus shifted to the Safety of Roam Bill, which is set to come to the House of Commons. The One Nation group within the Conservative Party aims to keep the bill unamended and wants it to pass without working with opposition parties. On the other hand, MPs from the right-wing of the party seek to add amendments, such as limiting individual claims and ignoring certain injunctions. The rebels do not currently have the numbers to pass their amendments, but their message to the government is to listen and work with them, or they may vote down the bill at third reading. Rishi Sunak faces a decision on whether to accommodate the rebels' concerns or stand firm and face the possibility of antagonizing the One Nation MPs.
At PMQs today Rishi Sunak took the opportunity to announce that the government will be introducing legislation to 'swiftly' exonerate the victims of the Post Office scandal. Keir Starmer chose not to probe, instead grilling Rishi on his commitment to curbing migration. With the Safety of Rwanda Bill returning to the Commons next week, will the prime minister be able to juggle demands from the left and the right of his party and avoid a rebellion?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.