Fujitsu Chief to Face MPs Over Post Office Horizon Scandal Compensation
Fujitsu chief Paul Patterson is scheduled to appear before the Commons Business and Trade Select Committee on January 6, 2026. He will discuss Fujitsu's financial contribution to the compensation for victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal, which led to wrongful convictions of sub-postmasters.
MPs are pressing Fujitsu to contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the compensation bill. Patterson is expected to be questioned on the company's discussions with the government regarding the size of this contribution. Fujitsu has acknowledged its obligation to bear part of the compensation costs.
The upcoming conclusions of Sir Wyn Williams's inquiry into the Horizon scandal are anticipated to help establish a final agreement on Fujitsu's financial contribution. This hearing follows a further extension of Fujitsu's Horizon supply agreement with the Post Office.
The government-owned Post Office will pay Fujitsu an additional £41 million for the use of the Horizon system from April 2026 to March 31, 2027. After the expiry of the current contract, the Post Office is expected to transition to an alternative supplier. The Horizon system, introduced in 1999, would have been in service for nearly 30 years by the time of its abandonment.
