Sir Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster and central figure in the campaign for justice for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, has urged the government to set a “proper date” for the compensation deadline for victims.
Appearing before MPs at the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday, Bates emphasised the need for “fast and fair redress” for the more than 900 sub-postmasters wrongfully prosecuted due to faults in the Horizon computer system.
Bates informed MPs that he had written twice to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, demanding a deadline of March 2025 to finalise compensation claims. He said that he had not yet received a response. “Deadlines do need to be set. People have been waiting for too long,” he said.
He stressed that people “well into their 80s are still suffering” and told the room that over 70 victims have died waiting for compensation.
While Starmer’s spokesperson assured that the government is working as quickly as possible, it was revealed that Starmer does not wish to impose a deadline to avoid the risk of some sub-postmasters potentially missing out.
Bates has twice declined compensation this year, saying the first offer in January was “cruel” and about a sixth of what he is owed.
The committee also heard emotional testimonies from other victims and their families.
Sub-postmaster Dewi Lewis served four months in prison after he was accused of stealing over £50,000 from the Post Office. Another witness, Jill Donnison, told the story of her late mother, Janet Moorhead, who was forced to sell her post office for a “ridiculous” price after struggling with faulty system losses.
Donnison said her family was finally offered compensation, but they were advised legally that they were owed much more.
Speaking at the evidence session, Dr. Neil Hudgell, a solicitor for many sub-postmasters, argued that the process of seeking compensation has added further emotional strain, leaving some claimants feeling “disbelieved” and reluctant to continue.
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