Yes, Steven, I think we are in basic agreement. It's not just Vennells who needs to be held to account: many have remarked across various social media that its interesting that Adam Crozier who left the Royal Mail to go to ITV didn't get a mention in the drama - isn't he now Chairman at BT? Also, Ed Davey and other ministers overseeing the PO have been involved along the way. The actions of many PO and Fujitsu staff, as well as lawyers and some judges seem suspect in my view as well.I agree that in the scheme of things the CBE isn't the most important aspect although perhaps it was seen as a blatant symbol of a reward for failure by many and she was in the hotspot as PO CEO. As an atheist I believe that she, as an ordained Christian, should set an example so has done the right thing in handing her CBE back. It would somehow seem hypocritical for her not to do that, but that's just a personal opinion. (I'm actually fed up with people of all religions saying how people should behave, creating a mess of the world and interfering with others' lives - I suppose I need to be slightly careful as veganism is a also protected belief - but not a religion!)However, as Jane has pointed out Vennells and others often seem to implicate the scandal on the poorly constructed and faulty Horizon system. One could argue that ought to have been just a commercial issue between the customer, The Post Office, and the supplier, Fujitsu; after all IT system faiures or problems aren't uncommon - I've been involved in attempts to prevent or rescue some myself! The problem here wasn't technical, it was plain dishonesty in failing to be open about the issues, shift blame and a lack of strong leadership and good management to address the problems swiftly and effectively. Let's hope the enquiry and the Met investigation highlight the real culprits and they are sanctioned appropriately.
Michael Ixer ● 532d