Fujitsu: Post Office Horizon Case

Lord Clarke of Nottingham Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Clarke of Nottingham (Con)]

My Lords, if there is sufficient evidence to support the assertions two noble Lords have made about the extent of Fujitsu’s knowledge of the failures in their system—and I believe there is such evidence—have the Government not considered taking legal action against Fujitsu to enforce what would almost certainly be its legal liability to pay compensation for the massive losses its action has caused? Why are the Government just relying on a vague indication by Fujitsu that it has a moral obligation? A very great deal of money could be recovered for the taxpayer if a successful legal action was brought against this international company.

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I have the utmost respect for the noble Lord but, as a former Secretary of State and Minister, he should know that the Government speak to government lawyers on a regular basis. An inquiry is taking place, and we should wait for it to finish and for the report to be published. An interim report has been published, and Fujitsu has committed to making a payment. When and how that happens is being consulted on and discussed between the two parties.