Former Post Office CEO Criticized for 'Orwellian' Attempt to Downplay Computer Bugs in Scandal Inquiry

Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells faced criticism during the Post Office Horizon IT scandal inquiry for an 'Orwellian' attempt to find a 'non-emotive' term for computer bugs in the faulty Horizon system. The inquiry heard that Vennells asked her 'computer literate' husband for an alternative word to 'bugs' to describe issues with the Horizon system, which led to over 700 subpostmasters being wrongly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015.

In an email exchange, Vennells proposed using terms like 'exception' or 'anomaly' instead of 'bugs, glitches, or defects' when referring to problems with the Horizon system. The counsel to the inquiry described this change in wording as 'absolutely Orwellian', suggesting an attempt to downplay the severity of the issues.

Why this matters: The Post Office Horizon scandal had devastating consequences for hundreds of subpostmasters who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned due to flaws in the IT system. The attempt to minimize the language around these issues raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the organization.

The inquiry also heard testimony from the Post Office's former general counsel, Susan Crichton, who expressed concerns about reinvestigating cases like that of subpostmistress Seema Misra. Misra was imprisoned for theft despite the known issues with the Horizon system. Crichton apologized for the suffering caused to subpostmasters and their families, acknowledging the lack of urgency in pausing prosecutions reliant on the faulty Horizon evidence.

Evidence presented at the inquiry suggested that the Post Office attempted to avoid using the word 'bugs' and instead referred to issues as 'exceptions' or 'anomalies' in order to make the problems sound 'non-emotive'. The inquiry also heard that senior Post Office figures were worried about the organization's 'national reputation' due to a report identifying bugs in the Horizon system.

In her testimony, Crichton said, "I wish that the Horizon issues had been resolved more quickly and I am sorry they weren't... I am very sorry we didn't find the Horizon issues more quickly." The inquiry continues to investigate the Post Office's handling of the Horizon system problems and the impact on subpostmasters.

Key Takeaways

• Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells sought to avoid using 'bugs' to describe Horizon IT issues.
• Vennells asked her husband for alternative 'non-emotive' terms like 'exceptions' or 'anomalies'.
• The Horizon scandal led to wrongful prosecution of over 700 subpostmasters from 1999-2015.
• Post Office's former counsel apologized for lack of urgency in pausing Horizon-based prosecutions.
• Inquiry continues to investigate Post Office's handling of Horizon issues and impact on subpostmasters.