Minister hints at new law to ‘quash’ all 800 Post Office scandal convictions

Justice secretary Alex Chalk told the House of Commons today that ministers are giving “active consideration” to legislation to overturn all Horizon scandal convictions.

Former cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi called on the government to bring forward a “simple bill to quash all 800” Post Office scandal convictions immediately.

Chalk responded by saying the suggestion was “receiving active consideration”.

He added: “I expect to be able to make further announcements shortly.”

Former justice secretary Robert Buckland said later: “Will my right honourable friend now consider the exceptional and unique step of legislating to quash the conviction?”.

Chalk responded: “[The scandal] is truly exceptional. It is truly unprecedented and it will need an appropriate result”.

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