A petition calling for the revocation of Paula Vennells’ CBE has gained significant attention, accumulating over one million signatures. The demand for action resurfaced after the broadcast of ITV’s drama series, “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” which shed light on the unjust treatment of subpostmasters and subpostmistresses who were wrongly accused of financial irregularities by the Post Office’s computerized accounting system, Horizon.
During her leadership at the Post Office, Vennells consistently denied any issues with the Horizon system. The petition, addressed to Sir Chris Wormald, Chair of the Forfeiture Committee, highlights the massive cover-up by the Post Office, resulting in unfair prosecutions, imprisonments, bankruptcies, and tragically, even suicides among 550 staff members.
The petition argues that Vennells, who received a CBE for her service to the Post Office and later held prominent roles in government and healthcare, should now face the forfeiture of her award due to the far-reaching consequences of the scandal.
The momentum for the petition gained significant traction after the final episode of the ITV series aired, surpassing one million signatures within just four days.
In response to the scandal, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the government is actively exploring ways to exonerate the Post Office branch managers who were implicated. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is currently evaluating methods to clear the names of those who were wrongfully convicted in what is considered the most extensive miscarriage of justice in the history of the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation into potential fraud offenses by the Post Office in relation to the handling of the Horizon IT scandal. The controversy resulted in over 700 prosecutions and, in some cases, prison sentences. Since the broadcast of “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” an additional 50 potential victims have sought legal counsel.
A public inquiry into the scandal is currently underway. Vennells has expressed profound regret for the harm suffered by the subpostmasters, acknowledging their wrongful convictions.
