Blair Pushed Ahead with Faulty UK Post Office Computer System to Avoid Hurting Ties with Japan
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Former PM Blair ordered officials to continue with the troubled Horizon IT system despite warnings of problems to avoid damaging relations with Japan, who owned the firm building Horizon.
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Independent experts warned the Horizon system was plagued with problems and the firm building it was failing to meet industry standards.
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UK ambassador to Japan warned scrapping Horizon could lead to the collapse of the Japanese-owned firm and damage bilateral ties.
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Blair was warned scrapping the deal could threaten Japanese jobs in the UK and weaken the UK's position versus European competitors.
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Blair's spokesman said maintaining relations with Japan was one factor in the decision but technical capability was the prime concern.