Anyone just watched Mr Bates v the Post Office? *GNHQ tweaked the title*

Callistemon21

I have already OldFrill and don't agree with the views of some that signing this petition is a witch hunt or scapegoating because this is a petition asking (demanding) that this honour be rescinded as it is not deserved.

A witch hunt? Surely that is ironic, given what happened to the innocent Postmasters? That was a witch hunt if ever there was one.

I just read that £135 million has been repaid to some Postmasters and lawyers have been paid £150 million.

I have already OldFrill and don't agree with the views of some that signing this petition is a witch hunt or scapegoating because this is a petition asking (demanding) that this honour be rescinded as it is not deserved.

The 38 degree petition to strip Paula Vennells of her CBE has topped 1 million, please sign/share if you haven't done so.

you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/strip-paula-vennells-of-her-cbe?source=homepage&utm_medium=promotion&utm_source=homepage

There have been a few online interviews with the "actual" people and, apparently, more people are coming forward after the programme.

TerriBull

I do wonder, the character played by Will Mellor whose case went to court and in doing so incurred over £300,000 of court costs, had to declare himself bankrupt. Presumably he wasn't the only one who had to do that, I imagine they remain undischarged bankrupts, something that wouldn't have happened if they hadn't been falsely accused. There are all manner of unfair ramifications that need to be addressed, the paltry amount some of them did receive was probably swallowed up in costs they incurred

Nowadays you are normally discharged from Bankruptcy after 12 months after the Adjudicator declared you Bankrupt. It is an automatic process. It might be for longer but only if you are uncooperative. It is very different from when I worked for the Official Receiver 40 years ago!

Agree Terribull.

I do wonder, the character played by Will Mellor whose case went to court and in doing so incurred over £300,000 of court costs, had to declare himself bankrupt. Presumably he wasn't the only one who had to do that, I imagine they remain undischarged bankrupts, something that wouldn't have happened if they hadn't been falsely accused. There are all manner of unfair ramifications that need to be addressed, the paltry amount some of them did receive was probably swallowed up in costs they incurred

Urmstongran

Michael Keegan, CEO of Fujitsu UK 2014-2015, and husband of Gillian Keegan, currently has a job in The Cabinet Office.

Somehow that doesn't surprise me. As one of the local politicians around here, she appears to back Southern Water and all their lies despite evidence floating in local waters.

Michael Keegan, CEO of Fujitsu UK 2014-2015, and husband of Gillian Keegan, currently has a job in The Cabinet Office.

A.ll the postmasters / postmistresses who were either charged or made to pay "shortfalls" should be pardoned and recompensed.

The people employed either by the Post Office of Fujtsu, who lied, telling people that "no-one else has this problem" should be prosecuted

She should be charged with perverting the course of justice and stripped of her CBE. That goes for sidekick as well (apart from the CBE)

Agree she needs punished Urmstongran.

945,000 signatures on the petition, nearly a million also 300. More on another petition. All in just a few days. Surely that can’t be ignored.

I have just finished watching it on ITV catch up on my iPad.
I cried during the last episode.
In this particular instance I would like to see an eye for an eye. I would like to see the CEO lose her home and all her savings and be given a criminal record. It won't happen but I’m sure millions like me do wish it.

Ignore me. Now seen Cabbie's post.

www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/church-of-england-votes-to-bring-back-defrocking-as-punishment-for-clergy

Not sure it was passed or not at Synod.

Thanks for the link Maizie. I'm just catching up with the series although I have followed it over the years.

The journalist who has been following, and reporting on, the story for many years, Nick Wallis, has a blog about the Horizon Scandal, if anyone's interested. He's following the Public Inquiry now

www.postofficescandal.uk/

Thanks Cabbie21.
Once a clergy member is defrocked, they are expected to live their life as a layperson, with no formal religious responsibilities or privileges.
Good!

The process of defrocking ( the word relates originally to the process of removing the priestly robes etc ) was abolished in the C of E over two decades ago, but was voted back in last July.
anglican.ink/2023/07/12/cofe-votes-to-reestablish-defrocking/

She resigned “under pressure” just after the convictions were quashed in December 2020. I can’t see how she could ever return but probably can, if she can find a Bishop to license her.

I don't know, Joseanne.

Interesting Callistemon. Does that mean their religious title is removed, forever? There's no point just curtailing their role, and then welcoming them back at a later date.

The C of E is to re-introduce the “power for a bishop to depose a priest or deacon from holy orders following a finding of misconduct that does not involve a question of doctrine, ritual or ceremony”.

Guardian July 2023