Keir Starmer Claims Unawareness of Horizon Prosecutions

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader and former director of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), stated he had no knowledge of the Horizon software cases involving sub-postmasters while at the helm.

During his tenure from 2008 to 2013, the CPS dealt with four million cases. He highlighted the impracticality of the head being involved in every case, with a team of 7,000 staff under his leadership.

The scandal has drawn criticism for various political figures associated with the Post Office over two decades. Faulty Horizon IT system data led to convictions for theft and fraud, with one individual receiving a 21-month sentence. Following the scandal, more than 900 convictions were made, but only 93 have been overturned.

The government recently announced legislation plans to clear the wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters, allowing them to seek compensation.

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has faced scrutiny regarding his tenure as postal affairs minister, particularly over his initial refusal to meet with campaign leader Alan Bates in May 2010.

Davey later met with Bates in October of the same year. Davey has expressed deep regret for not realizing the Post Office had misled him and for not posing tougher questions to executives.

The Lib Dems note that governments of various parties had oversight during the scandal's lengthy timeline, spanning from 1999.