EASTERN NO 5 BRANCH ELECTIONS 2020 SUBSTITUTE AREA DELIVERY REPRESENTATIVE & SUBSTITUTE AREA HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE Results
POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – INQUIRY
POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – INQUIRY
Further to LTB 486/20 dated 2nd October. Branches are advised that a debate in relation to the Horizon scandal took place this week in the House of Commons (following an Urgent Question tabled by Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham). The debate was well attended (both in the House and by virtual means) and strong challenges to the Minister were made by MPs from across all parties. Also, a further debate took place in the House of Lords (following a Private Notice Question tabled by Lord Arbuthnot). The transcript from both debates can be accessed via the following links:
Of particular note during the House of Commons debate was the following question from Andrew Bridgen, Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire and the Minister Paul Scully MP’s response:
Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)
May I congratulate the right hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on securing this urgent question? The Minister is well aware of my long-term interest in this topic, which has been a running sore for far too long. How confident is he that the review that he announced last week will gain the support and participation of all the stakeholders involved in this issue, and will it be able to hold to account and hold responsible those who allowed this gross miscarriage of justice to occur? If it cannot do the first of those, what confidence can he have that it will ensure that this intolerable situation will never ever be repeated?
Paul Scully
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly good point. It is important, first, that Sir Wyn Williams engages with the sub-postmasters, led by Alan Bates, as part of the group litigation, to explain how he intends to investigate and take evidence, and I hope that they would therefore engage. I have talked about the fact that the Post Office and Fujitsu are ready to comply fully with the investigation, but if there are important people with important evidence that is not coming out, for whatever reason, there are mechanisms available to the chairman, Sir Wyn Williams, to look at that further and to re-evaluate.
The response from the Minister is intriguing and it will be interesting to find out what “mechanisms” are available to the Chair of the Inquiry when it comes to pressing those responsible to fully comply with the investigation. Darren Jones, Labour MP and Chair of the BEIS Select Committee wrote to the Minister on 7th October to follow up on this particular aspect and ask exactly what these “mechanisms” are. The link to Darren Jones’ letter is as follows:
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/2886/documents/27980/default/
We await the response from the Minister with interest.
Calls for ex CEO Paula Vennells to be Stripped of her CBE
During the debate in the House of Commons, Dr Julian Lewis, Independent MP for New Forest East called for “…those present or former Post Office officials who perpetrated this disaster and perpetuated the agony of the victims must be punished, not promoted, and shamed, rather than rewarded with honours, as I believe happened in at least one prominent instance?”
This comment was picked up in the Daily Mail the day after the debate with an article entitled “Now strip Post Office chief of her CBE: Former boss Paula Vennells should lose the honour over postmasters wrongly convicted in IT scandal, MPs say”. The link to the full Daily Mail article is as follows:
We also published a hard hitting article on the Union’s website:
https://www.cwu.org/news/shamed-post-office-boss-should-lose-cbe/
Letter from the Chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
Finally, the General Secretary has received a letter (attached) from Sir Wyn Williams the newly appointed Chair of the Inquiry into the Horizon scandal. We will be participating in this Inquiry and will work with the General Secretary’s Department and our Research Department to prepare and finalise our submission in the coming days/weeks.
Further developments will be reported.
Yours sincerely
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary
World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2020 – Theme: ‘Mental Health for All – Greater Investment – Greater Access’
World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2020 – Theme: ‘Mental Health for All – Greater Investment – Greater Access’
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
The WFMH has announced World Mental Health Day 2020 will take place on Saturday 10 October. The theme for this year is: Mental Health for All, Greater Investment – Greater Access.
At a time when the world is confronted by the unprecedented mental health consequences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on billions of people, the WFMH is using the day as a focal point to call for the urgent redress and investment in mental health – a call which they say can no longer be ignored. Now more than ever greater investment in mental health is needed to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to mental health care. The under investment in mental health has left large treatment gaps globally. Mental health is an investment and not an expense and should be prioritised to avert a further catastrophe.
The worldwide pandemic arose against an already dire mental health landscape that saw mental health conditions on the rise across the globe. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) about 450 million people live with mental disorders that are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.
According to the WFMH, the treatment gap remains large with 50% of people with mental disorders in high income countries and 85% of persons in low-and middle income countries having no access to treatment (WHO Report). Fragile health systems have not been able to address or cope with the large treatment gaps and need for mental health care. Nations’ stretched health systems are further stretched and challenged by the increase in demand for mental health interventions as a result of the Covid-19 virus pandemic.
Hard and drastic lockdown measures implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmissions and deaths saw the enforcement of physical isolations and distancing become a new reality disrupting natural social interactions.
Parallel to emotional and health implications, large scale socio-economic fallout was witnessed as markets and economies were destabilised. The overwhelming impact of the virus has revealed and exposed the deep inequalities and levels of poverty experienced by many causing further mental distress and vulnerability.
According to WHO’s ‘Mental Health Atlas’ survey, governments spend on average 3% of their health budgets on mental health, ranging from less than 1% in low-income countries to 5% in high-income countries. The value of investment needed over the period 2016–30 for scaling up treatment, primarily psychosocial counselling and antidepressant medication, amounted to US$ 147 billion (Chisholm, et al, 2016).
Yet the returns far outweigh the costs. The WHO (2019) states that for every US$ 1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of US$ 4 in improved health and productivity. Despite hundreds of millions of people around the world living with mental disorders, mental health has remained in the shadows. Despite a growth in mental health awareness, mental health investment has been stagnant across the globe. It is clear that greater movement and action needs to be seen within countries to increase access to mental health for all.
The WFMH state that while COVID-19 has increased the spotlight on mental health, the stocktaking of how greater access to mental healthcare can be improved must always be a continuous process. We can always do more to strengthen mental health response and support in our communities. These investments are not purely the government’s responsibility, nor should doctors be the only answer for those suffering. These investments are the responsibility of all. More importantly, they indicate that we ourselves are an untapped resource in mental healthcare.
World Mental Health Day is simply not a one-day event however it provides the opportunity to maintain a focus on Mental Health and maintain the attention of governments, policy-makers and all stakeholders to ensure action for greater investment in mental health – making good mental health a reality for all – everyone, everywhere.
The World Federation for Mental Health has put together educational material to support this year’s World Mental Health Day theme and is available for download from the WFMH website on this link: https://wfmh.global/world-mental-health-day-2020/
MIND
Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but 10 October is a great day to show your support for better mental health and start looking after your own wellbeing.
UK Mental Health Charity ‘MIND’ say that World Mental Health Day 2020 is the most important one yet. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on us all, and prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now. That’s why this year MIND wants to bring everyone together to mark the day with their ‘Do One Thing Better For Better Mental Health’ campaign. Making positive change can seem hard, especially during uncertain times, and sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. MIND urges people to take the opportunity this World Mental Health Day to find out more about the MIND initiative and how you can start with one thing.
Our mental health is just like our physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it.
The MIND World Mental Health Day – ‘Do One Thing Better For Better Mental Health’ campaign information can be found at:
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/
Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year. We all need to take care of our mental health and wellbeing whether we have a mental health problem or not. Mental wellbeing describes how you are feeling and how well you can cope with day-to-day life. It can change from moment to moment, day to day, month to month or year to year.
MIND has produced a range of information, guidance and some tips and practical steps people can take to improve and maintain their wellbeing, including making time for yourself, building positive relationships and getting active. MIND has information on both common and rarer problems such as:
- MIND – ‘What is Mental Health?’ video https://youtu.be/AUWhdmKyOE8
- depression- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/about-depression/
- anxiety and panic attacks – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/
- schizophrenia- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia/about-schizophrenia/
- bipolar disorder – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/about-bipolar-disorder/
Living with a mental health problem can often have an impact on day to day life, making things that others might not think about a bit more difficult. MIND has put together some tips and guides to help people cope with everyday things like money, work, university and more. Work can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing, but there are steps we can take to be mentally healthy at work. Read their information on dealing with stress, managing difficult relationships, asking for support and advice on returning to work if you’ve had time off with a mental health problem.
- Wellbeing tips – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/wellbeing/
- Tips for everyday living – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/
- Tips for staying well at work – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/workplace-mental-health/work-and-mental-health/
Mental Health Foundation (MHF)
The MHF produce a range of excellent guide books to order:
- How to look after your mental health
- How to support mental health at work
- How to manage and reduce stress
- How to overcome fear and anxiety
- How to look after your mental health using mindfulness
- How to look after your mental health using exercise
- How to sleep better
- How to look after your mental health in later life
- The truth about self-harm
You can find out about prices and how to order any of their publications at this link: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-order
You can order any of the mental health publications listed above at the following link: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications
or browse their full publications listing here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/listing
Time To Change
Led by MIND and ReThink Mental Health, ‘Time to Change’ is a growing social movement working to change the way people think and act about mental health problems. They’ve already reached millions of people and begun to improve attitudes and behaviour. Time to Change are preparing for World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2020, and are calling on everyone to open up to mental health, to talk and to listen. Time to Change are spreading the word that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported when talking about our mental health. But too often, mental health stigma leaves people feeling isolated and ashamed. At worst, it prevents people getting support, finding employment or having open conversations. They have a range of excellent resources for employers, workers, universities and the general public to help change attitudes this World Mental Health Day. More information and resources are available at:- https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
Website Links:
World Health Organisation (WHO) – https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/09-09-2019-suicide-one-person-dies-every-40-seconds
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) – https://www.iasp.info/
World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) – https://wfmh.global/
United For Global Mental Health (UFGMH) – https://www.unitedgmh.org/
MIND – https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/
SAMARITANS – https://www.samaritans.org/
Mental Health Foundation (MHF) – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Time To Change – https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 116 123 for free
Attachments:
- WFMH – World Mental Health Day Poster – ‘Mental Health For All’
- MIND – ‘Do One Thing’ Poster
- SAMARITANS – ‘SHUSH’ Listening Tips Poster – Top Tips For Becoming A Better Listener
- Mental Health Foundation – ‘World Mental Health Day’ Poster
- ‘Time to Change’ Poster
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Important update on CDC pensions from DGSP Terry Pullinger 7/10/20
Important update on CDC pensions from DGSP Terry Pullinger https://www.facebook.com/981299138616232/posts/3413820748697380/?vh=e&extid=0&d=n
Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans
Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans
Over the last few weeks Royal Mail Group has been pressing the CWU to engage and agree the re-introduction of shared vans into Delivery in a controlled manner as they believed it could be achieved in line with government guidance.
As such discussions have taken place between Royal Mail Group and both the Health & Safety Department and the Postal Department regarding ensuring all the relevant safety and wellbeing risks are addressed and a robust risk assessment process is in place.
However given the changing nature of the pandemic and the significant increases in COVID-19 cases alongside the local restrictions being introduced across the country, the CWU has maintained that in view of the current second wave numbers this should not proceed and we would not support it.
The CWU has made Royal Mail Group aware of the above viewpoint and whilst both parties remain in opposing positions, they have stated and communicated to their respective managers that shared vans will be introduced on a voluntary basis from week commencing 12th October 2020 along with a range of operational constraints and risk controls.
Further discussions are due to take place with Royal Mail Group regarding this development and any further updates will be provided as and when appropriate however in the meantime CWU Representatives are advised that the position is we do not support van sharing being introduced and to ensure our members are not forced or intimidated into sharing a van.
Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the Outdoor Department
Yours sincerely,
Terry Pullinger – Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Mick Kavanagh – Acting Assistant Secretary
Dave Joyce – National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Andy Furey – Assistant Secretary
Davie Robertson – Assistant Secretary
Carl Maden – Acting Assistant Secretary
Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans
Royal Mail Group – Re-Introduction of Shared Vans
Over the last few weeks Royal Mail Group has been pressing the CWU to engage and agree the re-introduction of shared vans into Delivery in a controlled manner as they believed it could be achieved in line with government guidance.
As such discussions have taken place between Royal Mail Group and both the Health & Safety Department and the Postal Department regarding ensuring all the relevant safety and wellbeing risks are addressed and a robust risk assessment process is in place.
However given the changing nature of the pandemic and the significant increases in COVID-19 cases alongside the local restrictions being introduced across the country, the CWU has maintained that in view of the current second wave numbers this should not proceed and we would not support it.
The CWU has made Royal Mail Group aware of the above viewpoint and whilst both parties remain in opposing positions, they have stated and communicated to their respective managers that shared vans will be introduced on a voluntary basis from week commencing 12th October 2020 along with a range of operational constraints and risk controls.
Further discussions are due to take place with Royal Mail Group regarding this development and any further updates will be provided as and when appropriate however in the meantime CWU Representatives are advised that the position is we do not support van sharing being introduced and to ensure our members are not forced or intimidated into sharing a van.
Terry Pullinger
Mick Kavanagh
Dave Joyce
Davie Robertson
Andy Furey
Carl Maden
Terry Pullinger video 6/10/20 in response to Royal Mails decision to reintroduce shared vans.
Royal Mail have taken the decision to reintroduce shared vans on Monday. Listen to your unions response.
CWU Statement in Response to Gender Recognition Act (GRA) Reforms
CWU Statement in Response to Gender Recognition Act (GRA) Reforms
The CWU is releasing this statement in response to the recent Government announcement on the
GRA reforms to reaffirm its position of support for our trans members and the wider trans
community. The Tory Government has waited two years to declare its position in response to the
GRA reform consultation and to announce that it is not doing anything legally to support the trans
community is deeply disappointing.
We are absolutely clear in our policies that reform of the GRA is vitally important and the trans
community must be supported through this process – the current process remains outdated,
invasive and disrespectful to the trans community.
Any queries on this LTB should be directed to Equality&Education@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development
20LTB488 – CWU Statement in Response to Gender Recognition Act (GRA) Reforms
National Clean Air Day – Thursday 8 October 2020:
National Clean Air Day – Thursday 8 October 2020:
Clean Air Day is a global, annual, air pollution campaign, normally in June but this year in October due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. It encourages everyone to think about what they can do to help improve air quality.
Air pollution harms the health of millions, but there are lots of simple things people and organisations can do to improve air quality and reduce our exposure to air pollution. Clean Air Day is a chance to find out more about air pollution (both indoor and outdoor), share information with friends, family and colleagues, and help to make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.
Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Poor air quality causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues.
By breathing cleaner air, the World Health Organization states that you can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media. The campaign normally takes place on the third Thursday in June. However, due to COVID-19, this year Clean Air Day is taking place on 8 October 2020 and will be rolled out slightly differently. To keep people, families, friends and colleagues safe, the organisers have updated the campaign to be more virtual.
Led in the UK by the charity ‘Global Action Plan’, Clean Air Day brings together communities, businesses, schools, groups and organisations plus the health sector to:
- Improve public understanding of air pollution.
- Build awareness of how air pollution affects people’s health.
- Explain the easy actions we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and our health.
In 2019 more than 3,700 organisations and hundreds of thousands of individuals took part in 614 events across the UK. The campaign generated more than 2000 media items, and 45,000 social media posts. See attached full report.
The charity behind Clean Air Day has developed new resources for 2020 which focus on being virtual and COVID-19 secure, and is encouraging organisations and individuals to get involved.
This year’s campaign theme and tagline is: ‘We all have a part to play in keeping our air clean – together let’s make October 8 the cleanest Clean Air Day yet’, following the improvement in air pollution seen earlier this year and the charity challenging government, businesses and local authorities to help keep air pollution down post lockdown.
The resources have been updated so that Clean Air Day 2020 can continue to be successful in providing information to people on air pollution and encouraging people to undertake low air pollution behaviours while being COVID-19 secure, with the charity focusing on making the tools and assets more virtual. These include digital leaflets and posters, school lesson plans, PR social media packs, ‘How to guides’ such as organising ‘School Streets’ or running socially distanced ‘walking buses’ and template letters to MPs.
In launching the event ‘Global Action Plan’ said “Together we can make October 8 the cleanest Clean Air Day yet, building on the shifts recently seen in low pollution behaviours. Organisations and individuals are invited to take part, recognising the role we all play in keeping our air clean.”
Workplace Resources
Use the organising charity’s collection of workplace resources to inspire workplaces to create cleaner air on and beyond Clean Air Day. These include posters, clean van commitment, letters, texts, clean air recovery essentials, e-mail footer, pledge cards, ‘No-Idling’ leaflet, clean air travel, clean air travel choices, e-mail and intranet message, video conferencing background, press release, social media resources.
https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/free-resources/workplace
Clean Air Day Information
The basic facts on, air pollution and health, the ‘Clean Air Calculator’ and what you can do can be found here:
https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/clean-air-information
The Clean Air Hub
A collection of everything you need to know about air pollution in one place from the organisers can be found here:
https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/
The Clean Air Calculator
http://calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz
Air Pollution Monitoring Equipment – Offer to CWU Health and Safety Reps
Earlier this year Greener Jobs Alliance(GJC) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) jointly took a share in the procurement of air pollution monitoring equipment with Global Action Plan (GAP). The Personal Aerosol Monitor is a miniature battery-operated laser photometer that measures airborne particle mass concentration in units of milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The equipment can measure to particulate matter of pm 2.5. TUCAN/GJA/GAP is now looking to loan it out to workplaces to support Trade Union Health and Safety Reps with workplace air pollution monitoring.
Any CWU Health and Safety Rep interested in a loan of the equipment for a couple of weeks can email Janet Newsham (Chair Hazards Campaign & TUCAN) and Janet will schedule a time for you to use the equipment and from there hopefully produce some reliable, quotable, statistical evidence.
Contact details:
Janet Newsham
Chair Hazards Campaign/TUCAN
Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk
Mob: 07734317158
Global Action Plan Air Quality On-Line Survey
Global Action Plan(GAP) are organising an on-line survey seeking to determine the extent to which air quality is a significant issue in UK workplaces. Answers to the survey will be used to inform the charity’s project which is looking into clean air workplaces. All survey returns will remain anonymous. Please share the survey widely and encourage all CWU Reps to complete it. The survey can be completed at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MBXYK8G.
Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) Newsletters.
The latest editions of the GJA and TUCAN Newsletters have been circulated attached to LTBs 476/20 and 477/20.
‘Air Pollution’ (Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership) – Environment Bill Campaign
‘Air Pollution’ (Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership) have re-launched their campaign pushing for World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 to be included in the Environment Bill. They have produced a new ‘campaign webpage’ with a ‘write to your MP action’ (with draft letters for people with and without a lung condition) which asks MPs to support WHO limits. There is also a new video, which you can see on the page, which focuses on real human voices and stories calling for WHO limits. They hope that this action will help to ensure that MPs across the country realise what a serious effect air pollution has on people with a lung condition and support the shared call for WHO limits. They are also appealing for personal and organisational help in promoting the campaign. There are a number of resources which can be used to raise awareness about the campaign on the website at the following link:- https://www.blf.org.uk/take-action/campaign/clean-air/environment-bill
What does pm2.5 mean?
PM2.5 refers to particles that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (more than 100 times thinner than a human hair) and remain suspended for longer. These particles are formed as a result of burning fuel and chemical reactions that take place in the atmosphere. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people’s health when levels in air are high. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Breathing in particle pollution can be harmful to your health. Coarse (bigger) particles, called PM10, can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Fine (smaller) particles, called PM2.5, are more dangerous because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs — or even into your blood.
‘Greener UK’ – and the Environment Bill
‘Greener UK’ is a coalition of 13 major environmental organisations (RSPB, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Campaign For Better Transport, Campaign to Protect Rural England, ClientEarth, E3G, Friends of The Earth, Green Alliance, Greenpeace, WWT, Woodland Trust) with a combined public membership of 8 million. The coalition was launched in 2016 – united in the belief of the need to restore and enhance the UK’s environment with a vision of making a greener UK a reality. They say it’s now 200 days since the government’s ‘flagship’ Environment Bill was seen in parliament and ministers need to bring the bill back urgently and commit to more ambitious clean air laws. Tweet support – the hashtag is: #BringBacktheBill.
Clean Air Day Organisers – ‘Global Action Plan’ – Further Information
‘Global Action Plan’ are a UK Charity registered in England and Wales number 1026148, and in Scotland number SC041260. ‘Global Action Plan’ is a charity that’s working for a green and thriving planet where we can live happily without ruining the Earth we depend on. They aim to help people live more sustainable lifestyles, make connections between what’s good for people and good for the planet, work with young people on reducing consumerism and increasing wellbeing, bring business and people together to work on a sustainable future and help young people develop the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental issues which is good for the planet and for everyone’s future too.
For further information:
Global Action Plan
201 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JA
020 3817 7636
Email: team@globalactionplan.org.uk
Other Useful ‘Clean Air’ Website Links:
https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/clean-air/clean-air-day
https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/scotland
https://www.transform-our-world.org/clean-air-day
Attachments:
- Global Action Plan ‘Clean Air Day 2019 Report
- TUCAN Air Pollution Guidance for Trade Union Reps
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – POST OFFICE RESPONSE TO CCRC
POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – POST OFFICE RESPONSE TO CCRC
Further to LTB 482/20 dated 1st October, Branches will recall that the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) referred 47 cases of former Postmasters prosecuted by the Post Office in relation to the Horizon computer system to the Court of Appeal. Earlier today, the Post Office announced that it will not oppose 44 of the 47 appeals in which it acted as prosecutor, meaning that in all likelihood these victims of terrible injustice will have their convictions quashed and hopefully they will be fully exonerated and will receive decent compensation for the long drawn out misery they have suffered.
The Court of Appeal however still needs to make this decision, as explained via the following Tweet from the CCRC earlier today:
“Certainly seems encouraging for those who’ve been told Post Office will not oppose their appeals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s the Court of Appeal that will decide whether or not to quash the convictions referred to it by @ccrcupdate”
Nick Wallis, the leading journalist who has been following the Horizon scandal for ten years and was instrumental in bringing about broadcasts such as the BBC Panorama programme “Scandal at the Post Office” and the BBC Radio 4 series “The Great Post Office Trial” Tweeted the following this morning:
“I understand the Post Office have decided to contest 3 of the 47 cases referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. That essentially means 44 people have wrongly been given criminal convictions by the Post Office’s own admission. #PostOfficeScandal”
The full press statement from the Post Office can be accessed via the following link:
As a consequence of these developments, please see below a link to a CWU web article:
It should be noted that the 47 cases referred by the CCRC relate to England and Wales only and the Scottish CCRC (SCCRC) is also considering whether to send cases to the Court of Appeal in Scotland. A BBC article outlining this position was published on Wednesday:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-54339004
Furthermore, below is a link to an ITV story published today:
Clearly, the Horizon scandal is one of the biggest ever miscarriages of justice and those Senior Directors and Managers in the Post Office who were directly responsible need to be held to account. It is therefore disappointing that the Inquiry to be led by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams will not be statutory and it will not be able to legally compel those responsible to give evidence. The Union will continue to campaign and lobby for justice.
Today’s development is another key milestone for Postmaster victims of the Horizon scandal. However, there are people who were in high positions of authority within the Post Office who are culpable in this matter and this must be exposed in order that full justice is secured for those who were wronged.
Further developments will be reported.
Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be directed to Andy Furey’s Department.
Yours sincerely,
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary
LTB 486/20 – POST OFFICE HORIZON SCANDAL – POST OFFICE RESPONSE TO CCRC
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 