The MP for Bracknell has called for those caught up in the Post Office IT scandal to be compensated in what he has called ‘one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history’.

The ITV docudrama ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ tells the story of hundreds of sub-postmasters – self-employed staff who ran post offices – who were wrongfully accused of fraud, theft and false accounting.

It has emerged that post office employees were wrongfully convicted based on faults with the Horizon computer system provided by Fujitsu, the Japanese tech giant which has its UK headquarters in Bracknell.

Now James Sunderland, the Conservative MP for Bracknell, has called for compensation for those employees wrongfully prosecuted for the accounting errors, and those guilty of wrongdoing to be brought to justice.

READ MORE: Fujitsu under fire from UK politicians due to Post Office IT scandal

The scandal has been discussed at the highest level, with a debate held in Parliament on Monday, January 8.

During questions and answers, Mr Sunderland received assurances from Kevin Hollinrake, an undersecretary of state from the Department of Trade, that compensation would be paid, wrongful prosecutions would be overturned, and those responsible would be brought to justice.

Bracknell News: James Sunderland (Credit: LDRS)James Sunderland (Credit: LDRS)

Mr Sunderland said: “The Horizon Scandal is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history.

“As I stated in the House on Monday, I am keen to see that the full compensation entitlement is quickly paid to all victims, that wrongful convictions are overturned and that those who wilfully or negligently presided over this misery are brought to account through criminal prosecutions.”

Pressure is increasing on Fujitsu, with a petition on Change.org being launched stating that the company, which has its UK headquarters in Lovelace Road, Bracknell, has ‘brought shame’ upon the town.

The petition urges for those responsible for the Horizon IT issues to be ‘weeded out’ of the company, or for Fujitsu to leave the town altogether.

READ MORE: Petition calls for Fujitsu to leave Bracknell amid Post Office IT scandal 

Mr Sunderland rebuffed calls for Fujitsu to leave Bracknell.

He said: “In respect of Fujitsu, we do need to wait for the findings of the public enquiry and maintain the integrity of any police investigation.

“As a valued local employer, it is important that we compartmentalise this work carefully and avoid knee-jerk reactions to ensure that we achieve a fully objective outcome.”

The Post Office IT scandal has affected councillor Pam Stubbs, chair of Barkham Parish Council, who is portrayed by actress Lesley Nicol in the docudrama.

Bracknell News: Pam Stubbs (Credit: Pam Stubbs)Pam Stubbs (Credit: Pam Stubbs)

Cllr Stubbs was investigated by the Post Office and suspended in June 2010.

She said a pre-screening of ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ left her in tears.

READ MORE: Berkshire sub-postmaster 'in tears' after her story is shown in 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office'

A spokesperson for Fujitsu said: “The current Post Office Horizon IT statutory Inquiry is examining complex events stretching back over 20 years to understand who knew what, when, and what they did with that knowledge.

“The Inquiry has reinforced the devastating impact on postmasters’ lives and that of their families, and Fujitsu has apologised for its role in their suffering.

“Fujitsu is fully committed to supporting the Inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it.

“Out of respect for the Inquiry process, it would be inappropriate for Fujitsu to comment further at this time.”