Local MP is now Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Local MP Justin Madders has spoken about being asked to answer questions as a Minister for the first time on a subject of great national significance.

Mr Madders, now Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, was asked to reply for the new Government on Post Office Horizon Scandal compensation arrangements.

The new MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough said:

“It was an honour to take the first Urgent Question of the new Parliament and an even greater honour to do so on such an important topic. Swift justice and redress for postmasters is of the utmost importance to the new Government.”

The ‘Urgent Question’ had been posed by Kevin Hollinrake MP, formerly Post Office Minister, on behalf of the Official Opposition. He was seeking a statement on financial redress for sub-postmasters.

Mr Madders, who also replied to 10 other MPs, told Parliament:

“Members will know the Government made a key manifesto commitment to ensure justice and compensation are delivered as swiftly as possible for every postmaster caught up in the Horizon scandal.

“The Secretary of State (Jonathan Reynolds MP) has already met Sir Alan Bates, Kevan Jones and the chair of the Post Office, Nigel Railton, to discuss the progress being made and what more can be done.

“The Government intend to make a significant announcement on the new redress scheme before the summer recess. This scheme will apply to postmasters whose convictions have been overturned by the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act 2024 passed in the last Parliament.”

Mr Hollinrake said:

“The House will know of my commitment and my party’s commitment to the individuals whose lives have been torn apart by this scandal.

“It is only right that postmasters have access to swift and fair compensation. Those with overturned convictions have the option of immediately taking a fixed and final offer of £600,000. It is also why, in government, we changed the rules for those in the Horizon shortfall scheme so that they are entitled to a £75,000 fixed-sum award, bypassing the assessment process.

“Although I am pleased that, as of May 31, approximately £222 million has been paid to over 2,800 claimants across the scheme, I must push the Government for more detail on when the redress payments set out by the Horizon convictions redress scheme can be expected – we were told that it would be by July.”

Mr Madders replied:

“We will be making a statement by the end of July. We have committed to do that. We are working at pace with officials, victims and those who have been affected by the scandal to work up the detail and an announcement will be made in due course.”

Pictured - Justin Madders the new MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough.