An MP is campaigning for an independent investigation into alleged problems with a Post Office computer system.

Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood fears the Post Office’s Horizon transaction system could have made innocent staff members look like they were stealing money from the organisation.

He has been part of a small group of MPs pushing for an independent investigation into the issue, after a report by an external forensic accountant, Second Sight, found no evidence of system-wide problems with Horizon but recommended improvements to staff training.

Mr Wood said: “I am pleased the Government is taking this issue seriously and I welcome their commitment to allowing the forensic accountants to continue the role they have played in exposing what is really going on.

“I hope that we are now safely on the road to justice for those subpostmasters whose reputations and lives have been ruined by a situation entirely not of their making.”

Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells said: “As the review notes, it is used by about 68,000 people in more than 11,500 branches, successfully processing more than six million transactions every day. The review underlines our cause for confidence in the overall system.

“It does however raise questions about the training and support we have offered to some sub-postmasters and we are determined to address these issues.”