Fujitsu: Post Office Horizon Case

Baroness Finn Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

As I mentioned earlier, we are in constant conversation with Fujitsu. It has already committed to pay compensation, but how and when that happens is currently being consulted on.

[Baroness Finn (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister accept that it is wholly unacceptable for the taxpayer to be picking up the full cost of this scandal while Fujitsu, whose systems were at the heart of the failings, has yet to make any meaningful financial contribution? Can he confirm whether the Government will take advantage of the new procurement regime put in place by the previous Government, which allows the exclusion of suppliers from future procurement processes on the grounds of professional misconduct?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government’s expectation is clear: Fujitsu should bear the cost of redress resulting from the Horizon scandal. We are engaging constructively with the company and have communicated our position at the highest level. I cannot go further than that. However, it is not appropriate for the taxpayer alone to bear the burden of the failure in which Fujitsu was significantly involved.