First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the British government’s decision to exonerate sub-postmasters who were impacted by the Horizon IT scandal.

In a letter to the British Secretary of State today, she said that in the absence of an Executive, the British government must ensure local sub-postmasters are also covered.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“I welcome yesterday’s announcement from the British government of new legislation to overturn the convictions of sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted in the Horizon IT scandal. 

“The sub-postmasters have fought a long campaign for exoneration. All those affected by this scandal, including our local sub-postmasters, should be exonerated.

“I have met many of the sub-postmasters affected and have heard first-hand the impact this scandal has had on their lives, livelihoods and also that of their families. 

“We now need to see implementation and delivery of the commitment to address this injustice.

“That is why I am committed to ensuring the new legislation which exonerates the sub-postmasters is progressed through a restored Executive as an immediate priority. 

“I have written to Chris Heaton-Harris today to make it clear that in the absence of an Executive, the British government must ensure our local sub-postmasters are also covered.

“There can be no more false dawns or empty promises to the delivery of this commitment. The sub-postmasters have suffered and endured enough. 

“I will continue to give them my absolute support in their campaign for full truth and justice.”