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From: James MPST
Sent: 31 January 2017 20:08
To: James MPST
Subject: RE: Update for MJ
James,
There seems to be a press release that goes with the below. We don’t send updates to MJ without the proper
information.
It seems comms and policy had the press release so in your conversations with them you need to be ensuring you're
getting everything you need for yourself but more importantly for Margot.
Also, if you’re not sure if the below is correct please make sure you properly scrutinise and not just prepare a half
response for the duty person to pick up with.
Claire and I are here trying to unpick this TU stuff so this is an unhelpful addition to our workload.
Thanks,
Allthe best,
Sahar.
Senior Private Secretary to Margot James MP I Parliamentary Under
ment for Secretary of State for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate
Ai
Business, Energy Responsibility] Department for Busi id
Victoria Street, London SW1H OET I
& Industrial Strategy Cc 'Y @beisgovuk I
Please note, our boxes close at 12pm on Monday and Wednesdays
From: James MPST
Sent: 31 January 2017 18:05
To: James MPST
Subject: Update for MJ
Margot,
A. Subpostmasters High Court Ruling
ae
A. Subpostmasters High Court Ruling
You may remember there were a number of ex-Subpostmasters involved in group-action litigation regarding the
computer system ‘Horizon’ used in post offices. The group claim they were wrongly dismissed by POL or prosecuted
due to a glitch in the system which indicated they had made mistakes or stolen money. Last week the group
attended the High Court for an order request to sue the Post Office.
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The Financial Times will be running a story tomorrow to confirm the group has been granted permission by the High
Court to pursue a collective action. The group has been given 6 months to add any additional effected members
before the court proceeds. This is not expected to cause any parliamentary business (UQs etc.) as this is a matter for
POL and, as it is a legal case, we would be unable to say anything anyway.
Media handling:
As this is an operational matter, the Department are not providing any comment - “This is a matter for Post Office
Ltd. Please call their press office.”
If pushed:
“As this legal case is open, it is not appropriate for us to comment.”