Sir Robert's letter published in the Times on 9th January 2024 on why it is necessary to use legislation to exonerate the wrongly convicted sub-postmasters:
Sir, As the sheer scale of the miscarriage of justice that has befallen hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters continues to shock our country, such an exceptional situation requires an exceptional solution. Nothing short of a removal of these convictions, obtained because of a clear abuse of process by the Post Office, will now suffice. In the first instance, that organisation should no longer be allowed to conduct prosecutions.
As Sir Wyn Williams's inquiry continues its examination of the systemic failures that led to these injustices, we should recognise these exceptional circumstances by asking parliament to pass legislation that deals with the individual cases by exonerating the victims; there should be a presumption that they are all not guilty. Such legislation would help to right a clear wrong. Too many sub-postmasters have already died without seeing justice being done, so there is no more time to lose.
Sir Robert Buckland KC MP
Justice Secretary 2019-21
