The Post Office scandal points to a deeper malaise in British society
sir – Allister Heath (“Post Office scandal has exposed the elite’s contempt for Middle England”, Comment, January 11) nails what the majority think about the overpaid, unaccountable “corporatebureaucratic class”.
You see its actions everywhere. The same is true of the current political class. Look at Sir Keir Starmer. He was director of public prosecutions while sub-postmasters were being taken to court. It seems incredible that he did not know about these prosecutions when in charge (report, January 11) – and if he did not, he was incompetent. Then there is Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, who was postal affairs minister while the scandal was taking place.
You can understand why populist parties are garnering strength. People are fed up with the system. Stephen Crisp-jones
Wellesbourne, Warwickshire sir – Allister Heath’s article is a powerful piece of journalism. When I was a bank manager I worked with many sub-postmasters, and Mr Heath’s description of their character and work ethic is entirely correct.
Rod Butler
Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
sir – When the Prime Minister made his statement on the Post Office in the Commons on Wednesday (“Sunak to clear postmasters this year”, report, January 11), I found the cheering of MPS distasteful. They did nothing to support the sub-postmasters before, yet want to celebrate the Government’s actions now.
Keith Allum
Christchurch, Dorset
sir – The requirement announced by the Prime Minister for all wrongly convicted sub-postmasters to sign a document declaring their innocence is just another insult for them to bear. Whoever came up with this further humiliation? Far from signing any such document before they are vindicated, every one of them should simply receive a written apology for the way they have been treated.
“Well”, say the faceless, insensitive lawyers behind this latest ploy, “a few may be thieves, and so they should all sign to deny it”. How ridiculous. Who imagines that the guilty would decline to sign? The appalling travesty of justice inflicted on the great majority of these people should lead the Government to the most urgent and humble action to restore the reputations of the victims.
John Twitchen
Leigh-on-sea, Essex
sir – Do not forget that those accused by the Post Office were not all convicted at trial. I tried one such and he was acquitted at half time. But he still suffered. Why should those found not guilty at trial be refused compensation? His Honour
Lord Parmoor
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire