In a significant development concerning the Post Office Horizon scandal, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has called for urgent discussions with Fujitsu regarding compensation for sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted due to faulty software. The scandal, which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters facing wrongful convictions, has sparked an ongoing inquiry to uncover the truth behind this miscarriage of justice.

In a letter addressed to Fujitsu's global chief executive, Takahito Tokita, Ms. Badenoch emphasized the need for thorough investigations to establish all the facts surrounding the scandal. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated the government's commitment to act once the inquiry has concluded and the full extent of responsibility has been determined.

The faulty software, used over a 15-year period, misled the Post Office into wrongfully accusing more than 700 branch managers of false accounting, theft, and fraud. As a result, these sub-postmasters faced severe consequences that included wrongful convictions and forced repayments based on flawed data.

The ongoing inquiry, led by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, recently heard testimonies from Fujitsu staff members who expressed their concerns over the Post Office's use of manipulated audit data in its investigations. John Simpkins, a team leader in Fujitsu's software support center, admitted that his team had ceased their work after realizing that the data they had filtered was being used in court cases. Their decision stemmed from the concern that they would need to explain their filter choices in a legal setting.

The scandal has prompted the Metropolitan Police to launch a criminal probe, with Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley announcing that the investigation is expected to continue until at least 2026. The scope of the investigation involves collaborating with police forces across the country and analyzing tens of millions of documents.

Victims of the Horizon affair, who have long felt let down by the criminal justice system, have found solace in the ongoing inquiry, such as the case of Mr. Bates v The Post Office. The lord advocate also acknowledged the failures in the criminal justice system and expressed support for the victims.

In response to these developments, Fujitsu's global CEO, Takahito Tokita, expressed a "moral obligation" to provide compensation. When asked directly if he would apologize, Mr. Tokita unequivocally stated, "Yes, of course."

As the inquiry progresses and continues to uncover the truth surrounding the Post Office Horizon scandal, it is crucial to ensure that those affected receive the compensation they deserve. The urgent talks requested by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch further highlight the government's commitment to addressing this gross miscarriage of justice and providing closure to the sub-postmasters who have suffered for far too long.