Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill debated in the Lords

The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill will quash the convictions of postmasters and others in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who were charged with theft, fraud and related offences as a consequence of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics in the bill and drew attention to specific concerns or areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Members speaking

Contrubuting members included:

• Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Conservative), member of the Post Office Horizon Scandal Compensation Advisory Board
• Lord Etherton (Crossbench), former Head of Civil Justice, HM Judiciary
• Bishop of Manchester, joint chair of the NPCC National Police Ethics Committee
• Lord Sikka (Labour), director of the Association for Accountancy and Business.

Lord Offord of Garvel (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Final steps

Committee stage, a chance to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes, and all remaining stages, took place on Thursday 23 May.

Image: UK Parliament / Tyler Allicock