End of year newsletter: A review of the Post Office Inquiry in 2025
From Secretary to the Inquiry, Leila Pilgrim
As we approach the end of 2025, I want to take this moment to reflect on the Inquiry's progress over the last year.
The Inquiry’s hearings concluded in December 2024 and, since then, the Inquiry has entered a critical new phase, focusing on the detailed analysis of the extensive body of evidence gathered and preparation of Sir Wyn William’s final report.
The Inquiry’s work in 2025, included publication of the first volume of the Inquiry’s final report and launching part of the Legacy Project. Our work continues and as we reflect on the work completed so far, we continue to focus on the work that lies ahead.
Sir Wyn’s commitment to producing his report as soon as reasonably practicable remains constant. Right now, the Inquiry’s legal team is working tirelessly to support Sir Wyn as he analyses the evidence he has heard and writes the remainder of his final report.
As a team, we remain committed to conducting this work with the thoroughness and care it demands. This is no small feat, as the final report will provide an account of who knew what and when about the Horizon scandal and the subsequent actions taken against sub-postmasters over a period spanning over two decades.
The volume of documents underpinning the Inquiry’s work is significant and to put this in perspective, in 2025 alone, the Inquiry has published:
- 13,554 of documents
- 161,723 pages of documents
- 21 witness statements
- 356 pages of witness statements
As the year draws to an end, we pause briefly to take stock and reflect on with a brief timeline of some of the Inquiry’s work in 2025:
- March – We celebrated one year of In Your Own Words, the Inquiry’s listening project where people affected by the Horizon scandal can share their stories.
- April – We hosted an in-person engagement event in London where people affected by the Horizon scandal could share how their physical and mental health was affected.
- July – We published Volume 1 of the Inquiry’s final report, which examined the vital issues of compensation and the human impact of the Horizon scandal.
- September – We published a paper examining how people’s physical and mental wellbeing were affected by the Horizon scandal, using testimonies from In Your Own Words.
- September - We also announced the next steps in the Inquiry’s Legacy Project, which aims to ensure that the Horizon IT scandal, and those who were affected, are permanently remembered in the nation's history. We announced that we would work in partnership with the Postal Museum to deliver one aspect of the Legacy Project.
- October – We hosted an in-person engagement event in Edinburgh where people affected by the Horizon scandal could share how the Horizon scandal impacted communities.
In Your Own Words
From the very beginning, the Inquiry has taken care to ensure that the human stories of the Horizon scandal have been at the forefront of its work.
We know that, for many people, sharing their story can be a cathartic experience but everyone may not feel comfortable sharing this in a hearing as evidence.
That is why we created In Your Own Words, the Inquiry’s listening project. This is a safe and confidential space where people can share their experiences of the Horizon scandal in their own terms. We also recognise that many people’s stories remain untold.
To date, 337 of you have shared your story with In Your Own Words, both online and through in-person events.
I want to thank each one of you for taking the time to share your experience. Your story is vital to help strengthen understanding of the devastating human impact of the scandal.
Find out more about In Your Own Words
Using these stories, we have examined the wider impacts of the Horizon scandal. For example, this year we published a report exploring how the scandal impacted people’s physical and mental health.
A staggering 77% of those who participated in In Your Own Words told us that the Horizon scandal significantly impacted their physical and mental health. This provides valuable insights, showing the deep and often invisible consequences of the Horizon scandal – the human impact behind the headlines.
Find out more about In Your Own Words papers
We know that sharing these personal stories can be challenging and the wellbeing of those participating in the Inquiry is very important to both me and the wider team. I would remind anyone that if you wish to speak to someone about any concerns or feelings that arise while you take part in any aspect of the Inquiry's work, there is support available.
Legacy Project
As public inquiries draw to a close, they often create a memento or initiative activity to remind the public of the scandal or issue they investigated.
In keeping with this approach, in September this year, the Inquiry set out some steps in our Legacy Project work.
We will work with the Postal Museum to deliver one aspect of the Project. Not only will this mark the Horizon scandal in history, but it will also shine a spotlight on the devastating impact it had on countless lives.
Further details of the Legacy Project and what it entails will be unveiled in due course.
However, until then, I would like to sincerely thank the focus group of sub-postmasters and their family members who spoke to the Inquiry about how they thought the Horizon scandal could be commemorated.
Their input has been invaluable in helping the Inquiry to bring this project to life. That said, we recognise that in the years ahead others may take up the mantle of exploring and applying the learning from the Inquiry’s work. The focus group told us that continual learning from their experience is an important part of the Horizon scandal’s legacy.
Find out more about the Legacy Project
A message from the Inquiry’s Chair, Sir Wyn Williams
“As 2025 draws to a close, I want to directly address those who have been at the heart of this Inquiry from the very beginning; the sub-postmasters, their families and those who have been deeply affected by the Horizon scandal.
This year has been one of intense work, though perhaps less visible than the hearing phases that preceded it. Since our final hearings in 2024, my team and I have been engaged in the meticulous task of analysing thousands of documents and hours of testimony that form the foundation of my report.
This summer, I also published the first volume of my final report, focusing on the vital matter of compensation and the human impact of the scandal.
In this report, I recounted how thousands of people have suffered serious financial detriment and that many people have suffered significant emotional turmoil and stress as a result. I also examined the issue of compensation and redress, providing 19 recommendations on this issue.
This marks a significant milestone for the Inquiry, but I do not underestimate the vital works that lies ahead.
I am acutely conscious that many of you have already waited far too long for answers – indeed some have waited decades. The injustice you suffered was profound, and the impact on your lives, livelihoods and reputations cannot be understated.
While I cannot undo what has happened, I am determined to provide answers to those directly affected by the Horizon scandal as swiftly as possible. To this end, my legal team and I are working hard to ensure the remainder of the final report can be delivered next year.
I would like to conclude by thanking everyone who has participated in the Inquiry - particularly those who came forward to give evidence, often reliving painful experiences. Your contributions have been invaluable.
I also would like to pay a special tribute to all those who have helped me compile this first volume of our report.
Looking forward, I am committed to delivering my report as soon as practicable and I am grateful for your continued patience as this essential work continues.”
