Fujitsu Pursues £370 Million Brexit Contract Amid Controversy
Fujitsu is actively pursuing a £370 million contract aimed at managing a platform critical for facilitating complex post-Brexit customs arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reports 24brussels.
The firm’s bid was initially noted in July. However, U.K. lawmakers have raised significant concerns regarding Fujitsu’s eligibility following the company’s involvement in the Post Office Horizon scandal, which severely impacted numerous sub-postmasters.
The letter from concerned lawmakers stated, “Continuing to award public contracts to the firm raises serious questions about the standards of fairness, accountability, and due diligence guiding public procurement in this country. What message does it send when a company responsible for such harm is allowed to continue profiting from public money, unpenalised and unaccountable?”
Officials demanded a comprehensive review of Fujitsu’s qualification for future public service bids, emphasizing that any government supplier linked to systemic failures, such as Fujitsu, must demonstrate genuine remediation and cooperation with compensation efforts to maintain their contracts.
Furthermore, the letter highlighted the broader implications, noting, “This is not only about money; it is about justice, accountability, and whether it is morally acceptable for Fujitsu to continue to profit from the public purse. The Post Office Horizon scandal destroyed lives. That injustice must not be compounded by the continuing awarding of lucrative government contracts to Fujitsu.”
This call for action comes at a challenging moment for the government as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander embarks on a four-day trip to Japan to enhance trade relations.
A government spokesperson responded, “We have been clear that those responsible for the Horizon scandal must be held to account. Fujitsu has committed to withdraw from bidding for contracts with new government customers until the Post Office Inquiry concludes. We will not hesitate to take action, where appropriate, based on the final findings.”
In response, a Fujitsu spokesperson stated, “We have apologised for, and deeply regret, our role in sub-postmasters’ suffering. We hope for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims. We are considering the recommendations set out by Sir Wyn in Volume One of the Inquiry’s report and are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsu’s contribution to compensation.”
