LONDON — More than 70 MPs and peers have urged U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to block scandal-hit tech firm Fujitsu from bidding for control of a major post-Brexit software platform.

The Japanese IT giant continues to face intense public scrutiny after faulty data from its Horizon software led to 1,000 innocent workers at the U.K.’s Post Office being wrongly convicted.

In a letter to the prime minister seen by POLITICO, 32 MPs and 44 peers expressed concern that Fujitsu continues to bid for public contracts, including a contract with HM Revenue and Customs to run the Trader Support Service (TSS). 

Fujitsu is bidding for a £370 million contract to retain control of the platform, which helps businesses navigate complex post-Brexit customs arrangements for moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Fujitsu’s bid was first reported by POLITICO in July.

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,” the letter said. “What message does it send when a company responsible for such harm is allowed to continue profiting from public money, unpenalised and unaccountable?”

The U.K. lawmakers urge the government to institute a review of Fujitsu’s eligibility to bid for critical public services, including its current re-tender for the TSS. They also ask that “any government supplier involved in systemic failures, like Fujitsu, demonstrate meaningful remediation and cooperation with compensation processes as a condition of continued commercial engagement.”

“This is not only about money,” the letter added. “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.”

Their letter, first reported by The Times, comes at an awkward time for the government, as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander embarks on a four-day trip to Japan to boost trade ties.

A government spokesperson said: “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.”

A Fujitsu spokesperson said: “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.”