Fujitsu: MPs seek details on public sector contracts with the IT firm

UK MPs are investigating public sector involvement with Fujitsu, following the Post Office IT scandal. The Treasury and HMRC, along with 19 other organisations, have been requested to disclose contract details with the IT firm post-2019, the year the High Court exposed wrongful prosecutions due to Fujitsu's defective Horizon system. The company has since apologized and put a pause on pursuing new government contracts until after the ongoing inquiry.

The Treasury Committee, led by Harriett Baldwin, aims to scrutinize taxpayer-funded contracts with Fujitsu, given public concerns over their role. Although Fujitsu has secured over £4 billion in government business in the past five years, the scandal's revelation hasn't stalled their contracts.

Hundreds of sub-postmasters suffered unjust prosecutions between 1999 and 2015 due to Horizon's errors. With only a fraction of wrongful convictions reversed and many awaiting compensation, public pressure has accelerated following an ITV drama highlighting the issue. The government has recently pledged to clear and compensate the wronged individuals.

The Committee's inquiries demand information on contract value, competition, due diligence regarding Horizon, and any considerations to terminate Fujitsu's contracts amidst the scandal. Despite the controversy, Fujitsu continued receiving significant public contracts, an issue now halted by their own commitment amidst the inquiry, as noted by Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart.