Upper Bann MP Welcomes Quashing of Convictions for Sub-Postmasters in Horizon IT Scandal

Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2024

Carla Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Upper Bann, has expressed her support for the extension of Westminster legislation to Northern Ireland, which will quash the wrongful convictions of at least 26 sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland affected by the Horizon IT scandal.

This significant move follows a long and distressing period for the affected individuals and their families, were flawed software led to unjust criminal prosecutions. The Horizon IT system, operated by Fujitsu, erroneously reporting financial discrepancies, resulted in wrongful charges and prosecutions being taken against sub-postmasters across the UK, including Northern Ireland.


Carla Lockhart MP stated, "The extension of this vital legislation to Northern Ireland is a crucial step towards justice for local sub-postmasters, who have endured unimaginable hardship due to no fault of their own. It is a move that corrects a grave injustice, restores dignity to those affected, and reaffirms our commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness."


The DUP MP further emphasised the importance of government accountability and the need to ensure such errors are never repeated. "This situation highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight of technological implementations in public services and contracts. It is imperative that we learn from this failure and implement safeguards to prevent such occurrences in the future."



The Member of Parliament added her commendation of the continued work of campaigners fighting for justice: "Without the tireless dedication of Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance this great injustice would not have received the coverage that has led to this legislation being passed in Parliament. Their dedicated striving for justice is an inspiration for many thousands across our country."

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has launched a fun and creative Easter Colouring Competition for children across the constituency, with the chance to win one of three cuddly Westminster Bears.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the partial reopening of Gilford Play Park, following its closure due to significant storm damage earlier this year. The local MP has been working closely with Council officials and Banbridge Councillors Paul Greenfield and Ian Wilson to ensure urgent repairs were prioritised and families in the area were not left without access to play facilities.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again raised her voice in Parliament to highlight the suffering of Christians across the world who are persecuted for their faith. Speaking during a debate on international freedom of religion or belief, Mrs Lockhart urged the Government to take stronger action in defending religious freedom and to make it a core principle in the UK’s foreign policy and aid strategy.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed today’s UK Supreme Court judgment, which confirms that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2025
With the Easter holiday period fast approaching Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging families to take extra care of children on farms.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 9, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has defended the party’s decision to vote against the appointment of a Climate Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 9, 2025
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart accused Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves of ‘wilful neglect’, as she refuses to meet with farming representatives to discuss changes to historic inheritance tax relief.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 9, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is set to host a Sports Funding Seminar on Thursday 22nd May, aimed at helping local sports clubs and organisations access the funding they need to grow and thrive.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 9, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again shown her support for grassroots community initiatives by taking part in the Waringstown Big Spring Clean-Up, organised by the Well Kept Waringstown group. The event forms part of the wider Live Here, Love Here campaign — Northern Ireland’s largest annual volunteer clean-up drive, running from 1st March to 30th April.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP is continuing to press the Stormont Assembly to deliver a scheme to provide financial assistance for local agricultural shows.
More Posts