Back in 1999, Sir Geoff Mulgan, a key figure in Tony Blair’s administration, raised serious concerns about Fujitsu’s Horizon system, which has since been linked to numerous miscarriages of justice for sub-postmasters. Despite his warnings, his advice was astonishingly overlooked, leading to one of the most significant judicial failings in recent history.
Before the Horizon system’s rollout in May 1999, Mulgan wrote a “lessons learned” note for then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. His language was direct and unambiguous, reminiscent of Dominic Cummings’ style. Mulgan explicitly described the Horizon project as “disastrous,” highlighting its flawed conception, continual delays, and excessive consumption of ministerial time. Ultimately, he stressed that it delivered a subpar solution.
In his note, Mulgan criticized the information presented to ministers as unreliable and confusing. He pointed out the Post Office’s lack of competence and failure to develop a proper business strategy as a significant issue. Most importantly, he urged the government to be more courageous in acknowledging project failures and cutting losses, suggesting that there was a strong case for terminating the project a year prior.
Since Mulgan’s warnings, around £2.5 billion has been paid to Fujitsu for the Horizon system. Tragically, this system generated unreliable evidence that led to nearly a thousand wrongful criminal convictions, devastating lives and careers. This situation underscores a critical oversight by the government, which cannot claim ignorance given Mulgan’s clear admonition.
The Horizon scandal has become a stark example of the consequences of disregarding expert advice and the need for rigorous oversight and transparency in governmental decision-making processes. The government’s failure to heed Mulgan’s warnings more than two decades ago has had far-reaching and profound implications for those unjustly affected by the flawed system.
