Michael Madden

Michael Madden, solicitor at Madden & Finucane Solicitors, has written to justice minister Naomi Long to “seek clarification” on the position in Northern Ireland.

The UK government yesterday published the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill, which will quash convictions in England and Wales, but not in Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Mrs Long has said she would prefer for Northern Ireland to be included in the UK legislation rather than steering separate primary legislation through the Assembly.

She has also highlighted that ‘postal services’ are a reserved matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which could complicate legislative efforts in the Assembly.

However, Mr Madden’s letter points out that legislation in reserved areas is possible with the agreement of the Northern Ireland secretary.

“In all the circumstances, I would be grateful if you could confirm that it is your intention to seek consent from the Secretary of State to introduce an equivalent bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly,” Mr Madden wrote.

Speaking separately, Mr Madden said: “My clients are afraid of getting left behind England and Wales, and unfortunately face a longer road to getting their convictions overturned.

“I hope that the political impetus shown by both UK government and Stormont ministers to overturn convictions will get beyond any legislative hurdles and result in speedy exoneration for all Post Office convictions.”