Plus: from the BAFTAs to BGT
Hello!
As I write (Sunday morning) the Hear Our Voice Subpostmasters choir are in rehearsal at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, preparing to sing live to the nation on tonight’s Britain’s Got Talent, which starts at 7pm tonight on ITV1. There are eight acts to get through and the Hear Our Voice choir are apparently on last.
They are the people’s choice.
The above story contains a lovely quote from Maria Lockwood, a former Subpostmaster who I’ve been in touch with for a while. Maria says:
“My sister says I walk a lot taller now, which is lovely to hear… Some [choir] members say they’ve got a purpose to get up now. We’re doing it for everyone affected. For everyone that’s still fighting and for everyone else who’s not with us anymore.”
It’s a lovely sentiment. Whatever happens with the performance or the public vote, it seems everyone involved has done a fantastic job in raising awareness for Subpostmasters and keeping this story in the public eye.
A special measure of congratulation must go to former Subpostmaster Mark Wildblood (what a surname, btw!) who really started the ball rolling, got the musicians involved and brought the choir to the attention of the Britain’s Got Talent TV people. Bravo, Mark – it can’t have been easy.
My best wishes to everyone involved, and apologies for not being able to be there tonight.
Inquiry to report on compensation and human impact
On Thursday the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry announced that the chair of the inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams, will publish the first part of his report “this summer”.
The report has to be laid before parliament, and parliament is in recess in August. That suggests “this summer” means either June or, most likely July.
The inquiry quotes Sr Wyn as saying:
“Throughout my investigations, I have heard how people have faced unimaginable hardship due to the impacts Horizon scandal, from wrongful convictions and financial ruin to broken relationships and severe emotional distress. I have also held several compensation hearings, which have stressed the urgency for people to receive redress that is full, fair and prompt. “I have always been of the view that those who have been affected by the Horizon scandal should be at the heart of the Inquiry’s work. So, it seems fitting that my conclusions on the suffering endured by so many, as well as the issue of redress, should be at the forefront of my report and published as soon as feasibly possible.”
We have also been told that the inquiry “has issued warning letters to those criticised in the report, allowing them a reasonable opportunity to respond.“
The rest of the report will be published in “due course”.
Obviously it will be fascinating to see what Sir Wyn has to say about both compensation and the human impact of the scandal – and to see if his recommendations on compensation have any effect.
Final report
Unless Sir Wyn is planning on springing a massive surprise on us in July, we now know that the final report – or subsequent “volumes” of his report – will arrive after summer. This has implications for The Great Post Office Cover-Up book which so many of you have kindly pre-ordered.
If the rest of the inquiry report lands in September then we can reasonably expect to get the book to you this year. If the report comes out in dribs and drabs, or simply doesn’t appear until late October/November, we are going to struggle to turn it round before Christmas.
Understanding the Impact of the Scandal
If you missed it last time, do check out the academic study Understanding the Impacts of the Post Office Scandal which was marked with two events for Subpostmasters at UCL and the Palace of Westminster on Monday.
Professor Richard Moorhead was at both events and has published the speech he gave at the latter.
Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to come and see me talk in Ayrshire, Dublin and London over the last eight days. This week I will be back, chained to the desk, writing. I want to get to July 2012 by Thursday – only the Paul Foot Awards, Europa Cup Final and Dinosaur Jr stand in my way.
Have a great week.
Nick
I am (still) writing a new book about the Post Office scandal called The Great Post Office Cover-Up. You can put your money down now for a limited edition signed, numbered, hardback copy. There are fewer than 30 limited editions left. Buying a pre-publication copy of the hardback (£15 + P&P) or paperback (£10 + P&P) will help support an independent publisher and offer you the opportunity to join my secret email mailing list. For more info about the book, click here!