Witness timetable published for Phase 2 hearings examining Horizon system

Former senior company executives, civil servants and government ministers are among those who will give evidence on the Horizon IT system during public hearings which resume next month. 

The Inquiry’s Phase 2 hearings will begin on Tuesday 18 October 2022 following a week of opening statements from the legal representatives of Core Participants to the Inquiry. The provisional timetable has been published today here.

Phase 2 is examining the procurement, design, pilot, roll out and modifications of Horizon. It will begin with evidence from independent expert witness, Charles Cipione, who was appointed by the Inquiry to independently review and analyse evidence received on the IT system. 

In a video message, published today, the Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams, spoke about the upcoming stages of the Inquiry, and his overriding duty to lay bare who knew what, when, and what they did with the knowledge they had acquired.  

He said: 

“These questions are at the heart of much of the remainder of the Inquiry’s work. I am determined to expose the truth about these matters. 

“As in the human impact hearings, all future hearings will be streamed via YouTube, and from today, persons who are interested can also apply to attend in person. It is very important to me that this public inquiry is as transparent as I can possibly make it, and so I encourage anyone interested in following the hearings to do so over the coming months.” 

Those wishing to attend the hearings in person are invited to register their interest by midday on the Thursday prior, via this form. The Inquiry's YouTube channel can be accessed here, where hearings will be streamed with a 3 minute delay. 

The Chair also announced today that the further hearing he will hold on the processes for delivering compensation will be on 8 December 2022. Further details on this hearing will be published in due course. 

Ends. 

Notes to editors:  

1. There are a limited number of spaces for in-person media attendance, and a feed will be available for broadcasters. For media enquiries, please contact newsdesk@postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk. 

2. View Sir Wyn Williams' video message here.

3. The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is an independent public inquiry examining failings surrounding the Post Office’s Horizon IT system which led to the suspension and termination of contracts, and the wrongful prosecution and conviction of subpostmasters and subpostmistresses. Read the List of Issues the Inquiry is examining here.   

4. An indicative timeline for all phases of the Inquiry can be found here.