The outgoing Post Office chief executive, Nick Read, faced three days of questioning last week at the inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal.
If anyone affected was under the impression that the interrogation would bring answers and resolution about the workings of the company during the scandal, they would have been disappointed. But themes did emerge – but perhaps ones that led to more questions.
Accountability was one – and Nick Read was damming of those he considered responsible. He said: “One of the themes that has emerged amongst colleagues still working within the organisation is that many of the leaders historically who have appeared before this inquiry appear not to have been held to account, if in indeed they were aware of and understood other issues associated with Horizon in the past.”
He also spoke of compensation and the issues with delays, suggesting the long backlog of payments due – with the inquiry raising that one female sub postmaster had sadly passing away very recently still not having had payment. Mr Read pointed to the fact that claims were handled by the Post Office itself, admitting: “There was always going to be difficulty with the Post Office administering compensation because of the level and trust and confidence that many of the victims will have with the Post Office.”
When asked if the government might be using the Post Office as a shield to remove itself from compensation decisions, Nick Read said: “That could be a description, yes.” There were also pointed discussions about Nick Read’s own pay, which it is said became an obsession for him (which he admitted looked “poor”), and the fact that many who were believed to be directly involved in the scandal are still working at the Post Office, albeit in different roles.
For a full transcript of Nick Read’s days at the inquiry, or to watch again, click here.
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