Fujitsu's European chief executive defended the company's continued profitability from government contracts despite its central role in the Post Office Horizon scandal, asserting the company was "not a parasite." Paul Patterson told MPs that Fujitsu had received £500 million in contract extensions despite the widely criticized Horizon software being responsible for the wrongful prosecution of over 900 sub-postmasters.

Patterson emphasized that the government retained the option to extend contracts, implying the decision to continue business with Fujitsu was a conscious choice. However, he declined to specify the company's financial contribution to the £1.8 billion redress scheme for victims, a scheme currently funded by taxpayers. This refusal raises questions about Fujitsu's financial responsibility in mitigating the damage caused by its faulty software.

The Horizon scandal has significantly impacted Fujitsu's reputation and raised concerns about the integrity of government IT contracts. While the company stated it would not bid for new business, the continued revenue stream from existing contracts provides a financial cushion. The scandal has also cast a shadow over the broader market for government IT services, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and stricter due diligence processes for future contracts.

Fujitsu, a multinational information technology equipment and services company, has been a key provider of IT solutions to the UK government for many years. The Horizon system, implemented in Post Office branches across the UK, was intended to streamline operations. However, critical flaws in the software led to inaccurate financial data, resulting in the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters.

Looking ahead, Fujitsu faces continued reputational challenges and potential legal liabilities related to the Horizon scandal. While existing contracts provide ongoing revenue, the company's long-term prospects in the UK government sector may be affected by the scandal. The government's future decisions regarding contract renewals and new IT projects will likely be influenced by the ongoing inquiry and public sentiment surrounding the Horizon affair.