Victims of Post Office IT fiasco urge UK Government to go ahead with public inquiry

Victims of the Post Office computer fiasco last night urged the UK Government to go ahead with an independent public inquiry.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week appeared to back the idea – but a government statement issued last night was more cautious.

Edinburgh victims Phil Cowan and Kashif Nadeem were among hundreds wrongly accused of stealing large sums from their branches as a result of problems with the Horizon computer system.

Phil’s partner, Fiona McGowan, died after an accidental overdose when she became overwhelmed by the threat of court and jail.

He said: “I urge the government to hold a public inquiry or independent investigation so that we can all learn the extent of the horrendous blunders.

“We want those responsible to be held accountable.”

Kashif lost his business after having to borrow £28,000 to repay a demand from the Post Office. He said: “When Boris Johnson said he would agree to an open and fair inquiry it was reasonable to expect this.

“Anything less will be deemed evasive. People died, an expectant mum went to jail and was separated from her toddlers and others went bankrupt, losing their homes.

“Surely all this deserves a public inquiry.”

A government spokesman said it was: “Working actively with the Post Office on this matter and will hold them to account on their progress. We are also looking into what more needs to be done.”