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From: Martin Edwards(
Sent: Fri 28/06/2013
To: Alwen Lyons}
Subject: FW: Fwd: next steps on Horizon issues - update
Hi Alwen
I think Alice’s suggestion of approaching Letwin is a good one. Paula has a pretty good relationship with him having
helped out on a number of issues. The only thing to double check is his own constituency case and whether that
would make him sceptical of our position. Do you know the details and whether it has been resolved?
(One small point on your email below — personally I’d be cautious about mentioning the funding link to Janet, as she
might think we’re trying to stop the report just because the timing is inconvenient. But as you say, you'll need to play
the meeting by ear!).
Many thanks,
Martin
From: Alice Perkins [mailto:
Sent: 28 June 2013 14:51
To: Paula Vennells
Cc: Alwen Lyons; Martin Edwards.
Subject: Re: Fwd: next steps on Horizon issues - update
Thanks for the updates. I am glad we have the best people on this.
Three thoughts - first is probably a red herring but I'll mention it because it came into my mind. Are the lawyers also
thinking about implications for the PO and the people in it, if there is any suggestion by SS that things have been awry -
may be OTT/worst case scenario but just need to be aware of Maxwellisation/Salmon letters angle.
Second, I agree with Martin about the risks of getting heavy with SS - deeply unattractive. But I haven't heard
anything yet which gives me hope we can get this properly back on track. Which is worse? (I don't know the answer.)
(Keep aiming high here! That is, for the goal of no interim/no meeting. But I recognise that this is not within our
control.)
Third, a constructive suggestion!, shall we ask Oliver Letwin to help us turn this round?
Alice
From: Paula Vennells [mailto:
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 0:
To: Alice Perkins
Cc: Alwen Lyons <.
Subject: Fwd: next steps on Horizon issues - update
Alice hi. I do hope your Friday is good. The MF visit was useful - will update you orally next week. (Martin pls add to
the list - thx.)
You will see below Alwen's proposed next steps. It covers all the ground at present. We may update following today's
phone call with SS in an hour; and certainly will update post Alwen's meeting with Janet on Monday.
Alwen and I are staying close (two calls already today) and I'm expecting an update later this pm. So no need to
bother you today.
BW Paula
Sent from my iPhone
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Alwen Lyons ¢.
Date: 28 June 2013 13:12:03 BST
To: Paula Vennells
Subject: next steps on Horizon issues - update
Paula
.
Rod Ismay and Lesley working the detail of the 2 bugs, to understand them and then get them
into language that is clear and can be communicated
Mark is putting in place expert external comms resource to be dedicated to this issue from
Monday ( this will be from an external agency which he trusts
We have a call with SS this afternoon and we will run through the individual cases to see how
far they will have got by next Tuesday’s briefing with James and the meeting date on the 8", this
will inform my conversation with Janet on Monday
lam going to spend time with Janet at 9.00 on Monday morning, she says she can give me as
long as it takes. My approach will be try to get to understand the status of the review and the
risk to James and us of an incomplete interim report. I will share the fact that SS are not using all
the evidence they are being given and our concerns is that there approach to try and keep
everyone happy is not how we would expect a forensic accountant to behave. I do think this is
the right place to share the ‘bugs’ we have found and how we have dealt with them, which is
why the report from Rod/Lesley checked by legal and Mark is important. My objective is to get
Janet to a place where she also wants the meeting to be cancelled. I am also going to mention
the timing of the report aligned with the funding and James’ unhelpful comment to Jo about ‘
unfair convictions’. I will have to play this meeting a bit by ear!
Monday 3pm we have SS coming in to give us a preview of the messages they are going to give
to James on Tuesday. Susan is coming straight back from the airport to attend.
Tuesday SS brief James 9 am COMMS will have reactive statements ready in case there is a leak
Wednesday Paula has a call with James at 8.45, which may become a f2f and possible with Alice
depending on how this is progressing
Proactive COMMS to be produced for possible use before the MP meeting on the 8”
Meeting on the 8" POL not invited. James, MPs, SS, Shoesmith, and JFSA present. James not
expecting a powerpoint presentation, but SS to talk the meeting through the issues which they
have found.
We think SS will present the 4 cases some of which will not be finished, but we are not sure yet.
They will also raise the issue of the ‘bugs’ which were outside the cases but which we disclosed
to them.
Please let me know if you need anything else
Thanks
Alwen
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