Past and present Northern Isles subpostmasters urged to share experiences with Horizon Inquiry

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has urged past and present subpostmasters in the Northern Isles to share their experiences of the Post Office with the Horizon scandal inquiry. The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is an independent public inquiry investigating failings surrounding the Horizon IT system which led to the wrongful prosecution and conviction of sub-postmasters.

Every current sub-postmaster in the UK will be asked about their experience working with the Post Office, and applicants under the Post Office’s in-house compensation scheme (the Horizon Shortfall Scheme) will be asked about their experiences of this process. 

Those eligible to take part in the surveys have been contacted via email. Respondents contribute their experiences anonymously and can do so online, or over the phone for those who need reasonable adjustments.

Mr Carmichael said:

“Quite aside from the completion of payments for all those still waiting for justice from Horizon, we need reform in the Post Office to ensure that such a scandal cannot happen again. That is why the views of subpostmasters across the UK including in the isles are so important as the independent inquiry reaches its conclusion.

“The Post Office is a public institution – it is owned by all of us. Root and branch reform is needed and the inquiry is a key first step towards that. I would encourage anyone in the Northern Isles who has received these surveys to share their experiences and contribute to the inquiry.”

Announcing the survey Sir Wyn Williams, head of the independent inquiry, said:

“Human stories are at the heart of this Inquiry. As will be obvious by now, and as I have said from time to time, I have been deeply affected by the accounts of hardship and suffering endured by many. 

“I urge all those who are contacted to complete the surveys, and I offer my heartfelt thanks now to all those who take the time and trouble to do so.”