Fujitsu's European chief executive, Paul Patterson, defended the company's continued profitability from government contracts in the wake of the Post Office Horizon scandal, asserting that Fujitsu was "not a parasite." This statement came during questioning before the Business and Trade Committee, as the company faces increasing scrutiny over its role in the widespread miscarriage of justice.

Despite the Horizon software being identified as the central cause of the scandal, Fujitsu has been awarded £500 million in contract extensions. Patterson emphasized that the government had the discretion to extend these contracts, indicating that the company's ongoing business was a result of deliberate choices by government entities. He stated that Fujitsu would not bid for new business.

The financial implications of the scandal are substantial. The government is currently funding a £1.8 billion redress scheme for victims, while Patterson repeatedly declined to specify how much Fujitsu would contribute to the fund. This lack of commitment has drawn criticism, particularly given the significant profits Fujitsu continues to derive from government contracts.

The Horizon scandal has had a profound impact on the market and public trust. More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted based on faulty data from the Horizon system, leading to widespread financial ruin and reputational damage. Hundreds more used their own savings to cover apparent shortfalls. The scandal has raised serious questions about the accountability of technology providers and the robustness of government procurement processes.

Fujitsu, a multinational information technology equipment and services company, has been a key technology provider to the UK government for many years. The Horizon system, implemented in Post Office branches, was intended to modernize operations but instead led to one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history. The company's handling of the crisis and its reluctance to commit significant funds to the redress scheme have further damaged its reputation.

Looking ahead, Fujitsu's future in the UK market remains uncertain. While the company has stated it will not bid for new business, its existing contracts and the ongoing fallout from the Horizon scandal will continue to be a major focus. The level of financial contribution Fujitsu ultimately makes to the redress scheme, and its cooperation with ongoing investigations, will likely determine the long-term impact on its business and reputation.