Mounting Pressure Sees Ex-Post Office Boss Vennells Return CBE 

FOLLOWING the recent TV drama, which brought the Post Office – Horizon scandal to the forefront of the UK public’s consciousness, it seems as if justice is finally being served.

Not only is the UK Government actively seeking to hear from people who were impacted by the injustice, but it has just emerged that Paula Vennells, the former chief of the Post Office, has agreed to relinquish her CBE.

The disclosure of the scandal, which saw the wrongful conviction of numerous sub-postmasters, also comes after mounting pressure from both the media and public opinion.

Decision Amidst Pressure

The announcement occurred following substantial public outcry and political pressure. Over a million individuals had signed a petition urging the revocation of her award, a reaction to the spate of fraudulent convictions under her tenure. Rishi Sunak, expressing support for a committee’s investigation, had added to the growing pressure.

Vennells’ Public Statement

In her statement, Vennells acknowledged the demands from sub-postmasters and others for her to return the honour. She expressed, ‘I have listened and I confirm that I return my CBE with immediate effect.’

Her regret over the turmoil caused to the affected families was evident. ‘I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system.’

Ongoing Inquiry

Despite maintaining silence due to the ongoing inquiry, Vennells plans to cooperate fully and is scheduled to provide testimony in the upcoming months.

She stated, ‘I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months.’ With a clear intent to assist in the inquiry, she announced no further public comments until its conclusion.

The Horizon Scandal

On Tuesday, January 9, the UK Government issued a Statement entitled: ‘Postmasters impacted by Horizon who may have been made bankrupt.’

It invited people who were impacted by the events to share their details, so that the matter can be fully dealt with and due compensation made where appropriate.

The severe miscarriage of justice caught the public’s eye largely due to ITV’s drama ‘Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.’ Over 700 sub-postmasters faced criminal charges like theft and false accounting, with currently only 93 having their convictions overturned.