Post Office Inquiry: former union boss branded 'aggressive and belligerent' during tense exchange

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  • Опубликовано: 20 июн 2024
  • George Thomson, former general secretary of the National Federation of Subpostmasters was accused of being 'aggressive and belligerent' during a tense exchange with Sam Stein KC.
    He also denied lacking sympathy for those who were wrongfully convicted as a result of faults in the Horizon IT system.
    Mr Thomson, who served as general secretary between 2007 and 2018, gave evidence at the Post Office inquiry on Friday.
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Комментарии • 1,9 тыс.

  • @brunopetit9538
    @brunopetit9538 7 дней назад +806

    In short a bully and a thug who has been found out big time

    • @nezbrun872
      @nezbrun872 7 дней назад +36

      Definitely a supreme example of an attack dog.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +46

      Another "union head" in bed with the bosses.

    • @trevorhart545
      @trevorhart545 7 дней назад +36

      @@cassandratq9301 Paula Vennels and Rotwieller Thomson what a horrid thought ?

    • @Trevor_Austin
      @Trevor_Austin 7 дней назад

      VOTE LABOUR and get a government full of these @rseholes.

    • @w1swh1
      @w1swh1 7 дней назад

      You've stolen my line!!😀What an evil and disgusting person, a first class thug!!He and Vennels belong together.

  • @sewsimple101
    @sewsimple101 7 дней назад +765

    He sold his members out. What a disgrace to unions. I am ashamed coming from a family of union members.

    • @atayt
      @atayt 7 дней назад +28

      Trade association not a Union

    • @Lynnefromlyn
      @Lynnefromlyn 7 дней назад +23

      Don’t be! He is one person and there are many many more who diligently do their best for their members.

    • @klackon1
      @klackon1 7 дней назад +29

      It's not that unusual. UNISON sold quite a few of us down the river over payment for weekend working: we only found out when our salaries were paid into our banks. The executive had made a secretive deal with our bosses, but had not even notified the conveners. There were quite a few red faces.

    • @MRJERRYCURTIN
      @MRJERRYCURTIN 7 дней назад +1

      Me to

    • @trevorhart545
      @trevorhart545 7 дней назад +31

      Arthur Scargill is the "classic" example of ME, ME and ONLY ME. Always took FULL PAY, FREE HOUSE and PERKS throughout the strike AND refused to move out of the FREE HOUSE after resigning. GREED or AVARICE?

  • @helsonwheels5175
    @helsonwheels5175 7 дней назад +100

    A more revolting, abhorrent human being, than Mr Thomson you'd be hard-pressed to find.

    • @mickeyred
      @mickeyred 6 дней назад +7

      Oh I dont know. A fair few paraded here in recent weeks. Obvious exceptions though.

    • @exdoode
      @exdoode 2 дня назад

      @@mickeyred Yeah! I was thinking the same. He looks and sounds grotesque but the actions of others are at least on par with him and in many cases worse.

  • @williamfortune755
    @williamfortune755 3 дня назад +10

    As a Scot I’m embarrassed by this man’s attitude and aggression. It’s plain for all to see that he was totally under the control of Vennals. His efforts to avoid the questions through diversion is disgusting

  • @doubleplusgoodthinker9434
    @doubleplusgoodthinker9434 7 дней назад +412

    As a retired trade union official I find the attitude of this man appalling. He is clearly in the pocket of the Post Office.

    • @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730
      @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 7 дней назад

      Wow your insight is so inspiring, defo not a sheep 🐑

    • @ChrisM541
      @ChrisM541 6 дней назад +3

      @@blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 wtf!

    • @doubleplusgoodthinker9434
      @doubleplusgoodthinker9434 6 дней назад

      @@blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 Thank you.

    • @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730
      @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 6 дней назад +2

      @@ChrisM541 literally I agree wtf 😬 with this mob mentality. Caroline Flack anyone. Keyboard warriors usually unfortunate in other departments have this mental mentality

    • @johntomlinson6849
      @johntomlinson6849 6 дней назад +3

      @@blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 You know all about being mental, mate.

  • @daydays12
    @daydays12 7 дней назад +508

    He talks as if he was an employee of the PO and not a union man. My word! He is horrible.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +14

      HE WAS! Per contract, ALL UNION EXPENSES WERE PAID BY POL.

    • @seamus7054
      @seamus7054 7 дней назад

      I didn't realise at first that he was the leader of the union. I thought he was a Post Office employee. Not only was he in bed with Vennels and the post office, but was chief bedmaker and breakfast server. What a revolting bas**rd.

    • @andydudley1775
      @andydudley1775 6 дней назад

      @@cassandratq9301 yes big red light .they should demmand payment back .this is like the call center set up to have one job.

    • @02smithm1
      @02smithm1 6 дней назад +12

      Sadly, I've met senior people in unions and learnt that this man is not unique.

    • @timothywilliams4089
      @timothywilliams4089 6 дней назад +8

      @@cassandratq9301 Gorbals Mick!

  • @tracyalice2117
    @tracyalice2117 7 дней назад +100

    This man should have been sacked on his first day. What a complete and utter embarrassment!

    • @dovetonsturdee7033
      @dovetonsturdee7033 6 дней назад +2

      The impression I received was that he ran the Federation as his own personal Fiefdom.

  • @stephenphillip5656
    @stephenphillip5656 5 дней назад +36

    Good grief, with Mr Thompson as their representative, the SPMs stood *no* chance of ever getting a fair hearing in any dispute regarding shortfalls in their accounts. He'd been totally housetrained by POL. Shame on you George.

  • @korpiz
    @korpiz 7 дней назад +320

    The personification of corrupt union leader, utterly disgusting and pathetic.

    • @GradKat
      @GradKat 6 дней назад +6

      I agree. I’m surprised he hasn’t been made a member of the House of Lords.

    • @lllordllloyd
      @lllordllloyd 5 дней назад

      Disgusting. Any union (wo)man knows that many who claim unfair treatment have brought it on themselves. In such cases, we guard their rights as they stand. But equally, EVERY case needs careful consideration because a lot of cases are an abuse of rights. Thomson is reprehensible, he is a bosses' puppet. Keir Starmer would like him, probably.

    • @ukdave57
      @ukdave57 4 дня назад +1

      @@GradKat maybe that is what he is aiming for

    • @philthompson1097
      @philthompson1097 3 дня назад +1

      @@GradKat next month perhaps

    • @meridianleeward6370
      @meridianleeward6370 День назад

      To make a return when Rayner takes over Labour.

  • @alistairmcgregor8820
    @alistairmcgregor8820 7 дней назад +635

    I think George Thomson's base line was that the subpostmasters were guilty until proven innocent.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +17

      100%

    • @waterboy8999
      @waterboy8999 7 дней назад +13

      Just guilty

    • @ashhowardgolf3865
      @ashhowardgolf3865 7 дней назад

      Absolutely correct, I worked for Royal Mail and that is exactly the culture that RM/PO have, you are GUILTY until you prove your innocence. Amazing how that is exactly at odds to our criminal justice system.

    • @trevorhart545
      @trevorhart545 7 дней назад +19

      GUILTY even after proven Innocent as long as he got HIS MONEY , and I don't mean his salary! Q. Have the Police checked his Bank Accounts or is that where the "lost money went" ?

    • @rosssimpson6268
      @rosssimpson6268 7 дней назад +9

      Pre Horizon, that was the correct approach, as the entire 'transaction' was conducted with the SPO. With Horizon, the accounting side of a SPO was removed (to a central computer system) from SPO control with no change in the responsibility relationship that should have happened.

  • @charleskirk5102
    @charleskirk5102 6 дней назад +41

    So basically he was an informant for the Post Office rather than a representative of Union members. A thoroughly disgusting individual.

  • @jampot20000
    @jampot20000 4 дня назад +9

    What accountability is there for awful people like this...he should be prosecuted.

  • @user-wf3nn6rx5t
    @user-wf3nn6rx5t 7 дней назад +526

    He should have been kicked out of the inquiry for contempt. An utterly revolting individual. At least seeing his evidence we can understand how this catastrophe actually came about

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +14

      Once his group accepted funding from POL on the condition they couldn't take any actions which brought bad publicity to POL his hands were tied. Obviously, this particular chap cared more about his own position than representing his members. (And viewed his responsibilities were more to POL than to his own members.) Obviously, that contract should have never been signed. But, once it was, his liability for failing to protect members effectively disappeared, so sadly, he's not technically liable for anything.

    • @margaretfitzgerald1489
      @margaretfitzgerald1489 7 дней назад +5

      Absolutely

    • @motiveintentionsincerity
      @motiveintentionsincerity 7 дней назад +4

      🎯

    • @donaldeaston9564
      @donaldeaston9564 7 дней назад

      I saw earlier that his salary was around £500,000 (needs fact checked), but it wouldn’t surprise me…he was in bed with Vennells. Every email he had, was forwarded to Vennells within minutes. A Vennells lapdog.

    • @MrTelboy1962
      @MrTelboy1962 7 дней назад +16

      Conversely I believe the enquiry teams did exactly the right thing, leaving him there to run his mouth. He clearly demonstrated the lack of support experienced by paying member from him and his organisation.

  • @scepticalsaint
    @scepticalsaint 7 дней назад +509

    An absolutely disgraceful performance by Mr Thomson.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад

      What else can he say?

    • @liamhemmings9039
      @liamhemmings9039 7 дней назад +17

      I was about to say this myself. From how he was dressed, to his inability to answer simple questions.

    • @hecateswolf6007
      @hecateswolf6007 7 дней назад +22

      His attitude only adds to the disgrace of the post office

    • @memyself717
      @memyself717 6 дней назад +11

      @@cassandratq9301 he could start by not denying facts and trying to gaslight everyone in the room.

    • @ajs41
      @ajs41 6 дней назад

      This is what happens when very stupid people are over-promoted to important positions.

  • @peterbennett5910
    @peterbennett5910 7 дней назад +34

    He did nothing apart from looking after himself. This man should be arrested immediately

  • @oiooi6460
    @oiooi6460 7 дней назад +18

    It was jaw dropping how stupid, belligerent and corrupt this man was

  • @danielocallaghan8201
    @danielocallaghan8201 7 дней назад +255

    He was meant to be representing the interests of sub-postmasters and defending them? What a vile and repellent person.

    • @Pmrace1960
      @Pmrace1960 5 дней назад

      he didnt make any sense.....he kept saying there was nothing wrong with horizon...then sir wyn told him both fijitsu and PO admitted the system was deeply flawed and when asked does he accept that he said yes

  • @heywhotsgoinon8286
    @heywhotsgoinon8286 7 дней назад +254

    What a thoroughly unpleasant person Thompson is.

  • @TheComputec
    @TheComputec 7 дней назад +19

    Narcissist and bully. Imagine being a sub-postmaster being wrongfully accused and prosecuted by the Post Office and this guy rocks up to "represent your interests" and low and behold, he tells you to pay up
    Imagine also how angry you would be if you now found out he's gagged his own union from sharing the known problems just for 30 pieces of silver... disgraceful traitor

  • @joanhollings8252
    @joanhollings8252 7 дней назад +42

    His denigration of sir Alan bates was shameful

  • @jamesbunyan9781
    @jamesbunyan9781 7 дней назад +454

    Another PO oxygen thief.
    A waste of space.

    • @christopherhood9241
      @christopherhood9241 7 дней назад +12

      totally agree

    • @adenwellsmith6908
      @adenwellsmith6908 7 дней назад +2

      What do you think his angle is?

    • @JacintasChromebook
      @JacintasChromebook 7 дней назад +8

      @@adenwellsmith6908 I think he knows he's going to jail and thinks he can avoid jail by pretending to think he did nothing wrong....nobody can be as morally bankrupt as he is pretending to be surely lol

    • @adenwellsmith6908
      @adenwellsmith6908 7 дней назад +7

      @@JacintasChromebook
      Morally bankrupt? yes
      Nasty piece of work? yes
      Criminal? Hard to see the offence unless its a civil case for taking the fees under false pretences.
      As I right this, the civil case would be interesting. The PM's lawyers play this to the jury. They point out the jury has lost lots of money because he failed.
      The very last question he was asked was very very telling.

    • @jamesbunyan9781
      @jamesbunyan9781 7 дней назад +1

      @@adenwellsmith6908 Money from the PO.

  • @barryjessop9422
    @barryjessop9422 7 дней назад +360

    An absolute embarrassment for a Union Representative
    Utter contempt for his membership

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +11

      Please listen to all of his testimony (and that of the previous witness) to discover that HIS SALARY - AND ALL UNION EXPENSES - WERE PAID BY POL AND NOT FROM MEMBERSHIP DUES.

    • @donaldeaston9564
      @donaldeaston9564 7 дней назад +5

      Cassandra…I saw a quote that he was paid £500,000 a year. Needs fact checked, but probably true

    • @patpat4317
      @patpat4317 7 дней назад +6

      @@donaldeaston9564 500k salary and couldn’t afford a suit and a tie. What a thug.

    • @gorillafilmmakernow
      @gorillafilmmakernow 7 дней назад

      Not a union its a trade association funded by POL

    • @Brian-om2hh
      @Brian-om2hh 6 дней назад +2

      @@cassandratq9301 Well what a surprise......

  • @claredavies764
    @claredavies764 7 дней назад +32

    George Thomson is a disgrace to the union movement. He did not look out for his members and his aggressive approach to the Inquiry is just, well, appalling. I found his attack on Alan Bates absolutely staggering... the man has no awareness at all....

  • @supergran1000
    @supergran1000 7 дней назад +36

    The utter contempt he showed towards the Inquiry and Sir Wynn - accusing them of ineptitude.

    • @Pmrace1960
      @Pmrace1960 5 дней назад +1

      he done himself no favours and now probably top of the list to be jailed

  • @JohnYoull
    @JohnYoull 7 дней назад +288

    This guy is a joke

    • @SaxonSuccess
      @SaxonSuccess 7 дней назад +14

      He doesn't make me laugh.

    • @paulrichards6894
      @paulrichards6894 7 дней назад

      first person who didnt have any dementia problems and basically saying all post masters were thieves.....what a horrible man

    • @martinmcdonald4207
      @martinmcdonald4207 6 дней назад

      Like the dumb angry bully in the classroom. A complete imbecile.

    • @Paul_C
      @Paul_C 6 дней назад +4

      Doesn't look he's got all ducks in a row. He should do money python from his jail cell.

    • @kumarjayaram5575
      @kumarjayaram5575 6 дней назад

      He is a thief who stole from sub postmasters from their subscriptions and lined his with it while sleeping with Paula V. This is a ploy of the union you can buy them off by licking the CEO ass.

  • @Lakeland283
    @Lakeland283 7 дней назад +318

    What a thoroughly unpleasant man.

    • @w1swh1
      @w1swh1 7 дней назад +4

      Unpleasant is an understatement, however I respect and agree with you comment.

    • @Brian-om2hh
      @Brian-om2hh 6 дней назад +1

      @@w1swh1 As do I......

  • @jeremiahcoade6419
    @jeremiahcoade6419 7 дней назад +24

    Imagine this bully in a room full of people, shouting, with his do you know who I am attitude, an absolute disgrace to the trade union movement.
    Money missing, you stole it, end of case. You sorry excuse of a man.

  • @sebastianohalloran9093
    @sebastianohalloran9093 6 дней назад +30

    As a retired elected union rep, I’m absolutely appalled at this man’s behaviour. Defensive and clearly not interested in members. Not how most unions and those of us lay members behaved!

    • @Taz6688
      @Taz6688 2 дня назад +1

      A lot of unions are like that now, thats why memberships are falling, instead of trying to protect members they just take the cash

    • @sebastianohalloran9093
      @sebastianohalloran9093 2 дня назад

      I was a union rep until 2015 and had to stop due to ill health (at 37). I remain a member of my academic union and can only tell you that at least mine tries to fight for our sector and members. I have witnessed others that are not so motivated.

    • @Taz6688
      @Taz6688 2 дня назад

      @@sebastianohalloran9093 I had an accident at work, after some time was offered an amount, the union refused to counter or go to court, they said 'There was an offer, they were only interested in wins' going to court was not an option, they refused point-blank, the company was at fault, they never followed their own rules, without union support I had to accept an offer lower than a woman told she had nice legs, I am now permanently disabled. All they wanted was solid wins and no fights, out of court settlements, long gone are the days of unions fighting for workers rights, some blame must lay with Thatcher and unions losing power, but with no union support even No Win No Fee would not touch the case.

    • @portcullis5622
      @portcullis5622 2 дня назад

      The problem with many unions is that the representatives are in the pay of the same companies that employees are having a lot of trouble with. In my case, my union rep is on the same, lowly pay grade as myself, so is unlikely (maybe powerless) to ruffle any feathers or to question the employer too much, for fear of being punished.

  • @fc4660
    @fc4660 7 дней назад +126

    I am a Scot so I feel I can say that this guy is absolutely typical of the 70’s era Scots mainly Glaswegian union bosses who got into the game for power and recognition, something they never had gained on their own merit. Self-serving. Imagine having to listen to that absolute nonsense on a daily basis?

    • @rsf5898
      @rsf5898 6 дней назад +3

      fc4660 - true. It’s like going back in time seeing him.

    • @davebarclay4429
      @davebarclay4429 6 дней назад +5

      I'm grew up in the shadow of Ravenscraig and I agree 100%. There were a few exceptions (Gavin Laird springs to mind) but most union bosses were exactly as you describe them.

    • @0141star
      @0141star 2 дня назад

      The lot of them out of that era got into bs jobs taking advantage of workers while filling their pockets with youth training schemes etc half of them werent qualified to lead teach and left workers with no chance of getting work if someone will do it for £1 an hr

    • @sylviaparker9010
      @sylviaparker9010 День назад

      Its an easy job, and getting paid just remember the union bosses for the miners.

  • @jeremyroberts39
    @jeremyroberts39 7 дней назад +378

    I watched this guy ALL day today. Not once did he say ANYTHING in support of, or to demonstrate how he supported his MEMBERS. He just supported POL and drew a salary!!!! Not a good advert for Unions!!!!!!! 😡

    • @dougfraser77
      @dougfraser77 7 дней назад +20

      In fact many times he said "I make no apologies..." for being cosy with POL.

    • @allanthorpe7139
      @allanthorpe7139 7 дней назад

      A disgrace of a man

    • @nezbrun872
      @nezbrun872 7 дней назад +13

      @@dougfraser77 I lost count of the number of times he said that. He's a sociopath.

    • @andrewallen9993
      @andrewallen9993 7 дней назад +15

      A perfect advertisement for what unions really do.

    • @nezbrun872
      @nezbrun872 7 дней назад +14

      He was very good at going off on rambling tangents, restating a handful of stories that had little if anything to do with answering the question, and everything to do with presenting his own one-man monologue machine.
      He also still believes that Horizon is and was robust, while at the same time accepting that there were "bugs, errors and defects which had the capability to cause balancing losses".
      The TL;DR is that yes, he was well paid for being Vennells' useful idiot. The NFSP received/receives from POL: £500,000 in 2013-14, increasing to £2.5m between 2017 and 2028.

  • @jojoFranklin
    @jojoFranklin 7 дней назад +29

    Kudos to Sam Stein KC … beautifully done.

    • @fgrsimon
      @fgrsimon 6 дней назад +5

      Yes the final turnaround was just brilliant. "Do you think if you'd turned your aggressiveness and belligerence on the PO, actually you might have done some good for Subpostmasters?"
      Bang! Over and out.

  • @J8207
    @J8207 6 дней назад +10

    He is absolutely out of touch with the current situation.

  • @johnbradshaw7525
    @johnbradshaw7525 7 дней назад +200

    What an obnoxious person.

    • @ajs41
      @ajs41 6 дней назад

      He's obnoxious because he knows, deep down, that he's too stupid to be doing a responsible job, and is always afraid of being found out.

  • @CatholicSatan
    @CatholicSatan 7 дней назад +234

    A truly awful man who sucked on the corporate teat, repeated the corporate mantras (including word salads with "franchise", "brand", "going forward" etc.) and was utterly derisory of the likes of _Sir_ Alan Bates.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +11

      Sure did himself no favors with his testimony.

    • @nezbrun872
      @nezbrun872 7 дней назад +15

      @@cassandratq9301 I'm pretty certain, as he's a sociopath, he'll think he did a great job.

    • @user-ck8zu9tm1o
      @user-ck8zu9tm1o 7 дней назад

      Agreed, "everyone's a fool except me". ​@@nezbrun872

    • @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730
      @blackwaterposeidonthewhipp7730 7 дней назад +1

      @@nezbrun872I think he was fab

    • @ethzero
      @ethzero 7 дней назад

      Nice emphasis on the _"Sir"_ 👍

  • @annemagee5714
    @annemagee5714 7 дней назад +23

    Never have i heard such a aggressive man , he thought he was so clever shown no regard for anyone , i think he should have been removed.should be ashamed of his behaviour.

    • @berryj.greene7090
      @berryj.greene7090 5 дней назад

      A weird man I'll grant you. However we have to cut through his Gaelic accent and cultural manner to find the substance of his position and argument. We have to try and understand how we people of the Earth can come to a position because it suits our purpose regardless of mounting evidence that we are wrong. Have you ever sung the wrong words to a song? Misheard the lyric ? Its that sort of thing. He has a closed mind. His way the only way. Running like a train on a rail. No choice to the route it takes. He's not of rounded intelligence. So many out there. "I always vote for the Balmy Party like my Mum, Dad, Grandfather" etc. "The world is flat I tell you..... "

  • @drinksafewater
    @drinksafewater 6 дней назад +7

    Excellent questioning - This witness so clearly failed the SPM's and his Union - Quite a dangerous man to be on a lifeboat.

  • @davidjohnrobinson2887
    @davidjohnrobinson2887 7 дней назад +108

    No tie, no jacket, no respect just plenty of gob.

    • @fireskycam9889
      @fireskycam9889 6 дней назад

      Gobshite more like it.

    • @rsf5898
      @rsf5898 6 дней назад +6

      Perfectly dressed to portray his true nature. His mouth was awful even when noise wasn’t emerging from it.

    • @fatfreddymaorihuntergather2530
      @fatfreddymaorihuntergather2530 4 дня назад

      You forgot no brains!!!

  • @chrisgray7335
    @chrisgray7335 7 дней назад +144

    God help the members when this idiot is in charge.

    • @Bigaitch
      @Bigaitch 7 дней назад

      Spot on....I would not want this moron on my side.

  • @3bebles
    @3bebles 7 дней назад +13

    This is precisely the kind of man who gives unions a bad name. He should NEVER have been in such a position.

  • @jimmybeegood
    @jimmybeegood 6 дней назад +15

    He was tipping off the post office, behind his union members back. FFS he's in trouble.❤

  • @johnworkman2743
    @johnworkman2743 7 дней назад +175

    That guy is not a union man, he is a company man and doesnt give a hoot about any of his members only himself.

    • @allanthorpe7139
      @allanthorpe7139 7 дней назад +7

      Typical post office appointment then

    • @Jack-hy1zq
      @Jack-hy1zq 7 дней назад +7

      Union men ARE company men. He has accidentally revealed this widespread truth.

    • @user-hd8fj2mb5p
      @user-hd8fj2mb5p 7 дней назад +4

      ​@@Jack-hy1zqNot true union men with integrity. Get your facts right.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +2

      Exactly!

    • @honved1
      @honved1 7 дней назад +4

      @@Jack-hy1zq You havent had much experience with unions then

  • @martinbcooper
    @martinbcooper 7 дней назад +159

    Thomson made an utter embarrassment of himself throughout the day. With that clown at the helm It's little wonder the subpostmasters received no help from the NFSP. He spent the whole day defending his dearly beloved Horizon and Post Office, trying to score personal points. The subpostmasters in the audience all walking out of the room while he was ranting at the end of his evidence says it all.

    • @DVG922
      @DVG922 6 дней назад +8

      He was totally unprofessional in his behaviour in the witness box.

    • @NatalieTimeBank
      @NatalieTimeBank 6 дней назад +8

      He did make a wonderful example of the dumbest person in the room believing he was the smartest.

  • @gjek6355
    @gjek6355 5 дней назад +9

    I was a Union representative that tried my hardest to represent and protect the rights and livelihoods of all I represented for 20 plus years. This man is talking with the mindset that he was employed by the post office and was in the pockets of the Post Office. I could not of sat in the same office as this man he is as guilty as his managers . I personally think this man’s financials need looking at sooner rather than later. He is a traitor to all he represented

  • @user-du6mt9im3g
    @user-du6mt9im3g 6 дней назад +12

    What a horrible individual. And he was supposed to be protecting Post Masters/Mistresses!! Disgraceful

  • @nmurphy02
    @nmurphy02 7 дней назад +97

    He thinks he was being clever, instead he has exposed himself for what he is. A dishonest bluffer and b s artist

    • @charliekelly1920
      @charliekelly1920 4 дня назад

      His accent is Scottish and he is an embarresment to Scotland. Nothing but a self serving Judas who didn't give a jot about the people he was supposedly representing as there"s no doubt he sided with Vennel's and co. every step of the way.

  • @laurieharper1526
    @laurieharper1526 7 дней назад +121

    So he, who was supposed to be defending his members, threw them to the wolves. What a creep. A disgrace to the trade union movement.

  • @cndns2
    @cndns2 7 дней назад +19

    The rot and decay that is being exposed at POL, their legal team, and minions is astounding. With each testimony coming forth, it's very clear many, many prison sentences need to be dispensed post-haste. What a disgusting little man this Thompson.

  • @tonybye8293
    @tonybye8293 3 дня назад +24

    The shameful attitude of this individual is exactly why we have this scandal.

  • @MrSamuelArthurRobertAllen
    @MrSamuelArthurRobertAllen 7 дней назад +212

    Another smug individual who needs jail time

  • @idparkinson
    @idparkinson 7 дней назад +158

    What a terrible and disgraceful attitude from a man in the pocket of the PO. He should be ashamed of his views and of the way he spoke so disrespectfully at the inquiry

  • @Satchitananda441
    @Satchitananda441 3 дня назад +9

    Belligerent, aggressive, defensive. Wasn't he supposed to be on the postmasters side? He just seems like part of the lynch mob to me.

  • @bsastarfire250
    @bsastarfire250 7 дней назад +8

    This guy is so reminiscent of the Union bosses that helped ruin our manufacturing industries in the '60's and '70's .

  • @MichaelEnright-gk6yc
    @MichaelEnright-gk6yc 7 дней назад +127

    Still defending Post Office Limited not the sub postmasters

  • @Lyndalewinder
    @Lyndalewinder 7 дней назад +180

    I'm glad I don't have that man representing my interests

    • @hecateswolf6007
      @hecateswolf6007 7 дней назад +11

      With friends like him you don't need enemies

    • @hecateswolf6007
      @hecateswolf6007 7 дней назад +2

      With friends like him you don't need enemies

    • @charlotte583
      @charlotte583 7 дней назад +3

      @@hecateswolf6007…you can say that again, he’s vile 😂😂

    • @elliottfireice4394
      @elliottfireice4394 2 дня назад

      Do you want to have a friend like that??

  • @alistairogden2336
    @alistairogden2336 6 дней назад +6

    The result he thinks he is a top union official who has helped his members……a very unpleasant man…..

  • @mikebeardsall7388
    @mikebeardsall7388 3 дня назад +8

    Rather appropriate that he's come dressed as a humbug.

  • @nobbyclarke9298
    @nobbyclarke9298 7 дней назад +134

    Totally arrogant & shows total contempt to this enquiry……..disgraceful attitude…

    • @martinmcdonald4207
      @martinmcdonald4207 6 дней назад +4

      He will be dealt with for his attitude alone. This chancer is jail bound, with the rest of them.

    • @hugolindum7728
      @hugolindum7728 5 дней назад +2

      @@martinmcdonald4207
      Unfortunately nothing will happen to him. He’s an aggressive bully and no doubt the rest of the over paid union is the same, but he’s done nothing actually illegal.
      Perhaps the most unpleasant person seen yet.

    • @Pmrace1960
      @Pmrace1960 5 дней назад

      i doubt anyone will be jailed

  • @kevind6956
    @kevind6956 7 дней назад +106

    Why are they all so arrogant. This bloke is another example of the remorseless bullies that enabled this scandal to go on for so many years.

  • @Neil_Gibson
    @Neil_Gibson 3 дня назад +4

    They say bullies are the ultimate cowards and this guy is a prime example. He was there to fight for the sub-postmasters but he took the path of least resistance and sided with the Post Office for his own easy life!!

  • @angelaadams9879
    @angelaadams9879 7 дней назад +12

    Just when you think it can’t get any worse and today it did! Shameful!

  • @jeffreyloftus3617
    @jeffreyloftus3617 7 дней назад +176

    The fact that the union he formally worked for refused to fund a solicitor to accompany him a former top official at today's inquiry hearing speaks volumes

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +9

      Not quite right. He testified that they wouldn't supply a solicitor because he wasn't willing to toe the "only apologize line".

    • @donaldeaston9564
      @donaldeaston9564 7 дней назад +6

      The last KC who supported the Union actually told him the current members essentially, had no faith in him, and didn’t like him.

    • @gorillafilmmakernow
      @gorillafilmmakernow 7 дней назад +5

      Not a union

    • @t.dmytryshyn2615
      @t.dmytryshyn2615 7 дней назад +16

      @@cassandratq9301 He was told to apologize and he wouldn't because he thinks he's right. The fact is both the PO and Fujitsu have admitted that they lied that there were bugs from the very beginning of the roll out of Horizon that created wrong balances in the Post Office accounts. This inquiry is NOT looking at previous problems or Post Masters who took money before Horizon, this inquiry is about the bugs and deficiencies in Horizon and that those people were wrongly sent to jail or persecuted in other ways by losing their companies and their reputations because of flaws within the system and that is what he is refusing to admit. He and his fellow Board Members took the side of the Post Office that there was nothing wrong with Horizon. They ignored the complaints about the system all together.

    • @rsf5898
      @rsf5898 6 дней назад

      @@gorillafilmmakernow - true in part - it was a ‘Union’ until it lost such status.

  • @mikewhipps3161
    @mikewhipps3161 7 дней назад +138

    aggressive and belligerent in plain sight

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад

      Certainly "oppositional".

    • @paulrichards6894
      @paulrichards6894 7 дней назад +1

      his argument is its works well today so every post master must be a crook....doesnt he realise these bugs and glitches are now fixed

  • @andrewcarter7503
    @andrewcarter7503 7 дней назад +9

    As we know, NHS staff have been convicted of crimes. Of harming patients. Can you imagine the NHS coming out and saying "look at the millions of patients we have treated successfully. Why are you talking about these patients that were harmed when there were millions treated successfully?"
    That's basically his line. The mistakes don't matter because the majority of transactions were fine.

  • @gdrums7733
    @gdrums7733 6 дней назад +5

    So they let him out of the asylum for the day and took him off his meds a week ago. Hand picked by post office to be there inside man. Vile human.

  • @user-qz3wv7tq6v
    @user-qz3wv7tq6v 7 дней назад +106

    Probably the most obnoxious crook I've ever had the displeasure to have seen. Absolutely disgraceful demeanour. My sympathies to all he ever came into contact with.
    He says, "To be honest with you...." This man couldn't be honest if they gave away free jube-jubes with every truth told!

  • @enuclear
    @enuclear 7 дней назад +206

    It’s like stepping back into the 1970s. He is another stark example of why Britain is broken.

    • @jasperfish666
      @jasperfish666 7 дней назад +5

      Exactly!

    • @stewartross1233
      @stewartross1233 7 дней назад +3

      Spot on!

    • @davidpearson243
      @davidpearson243 7 дней назад +5

      Brexit has broken Britain

    • @andyb7963
      @andyb7963 6 дней назад +7

      Just like red robbow at British Leyland, pretending to be on the side of the workers, but is actually doing the work of the management

    • @ajs41
      @ajs41 6 дней назад +7

      @@davidpearson243 This scandal was going on a long time before Brexit.

  • @ritab8663
    @ritab8663 7 дней назад +6

    His whole demeanour showed his character to the full. Belligerent and a bully

  • @michaelellard4664
    @michaelellard4664 7 дней назад +6

    I never seen a more aggressive and belligerent person. He was never wrong.

    • @paulrichards6894
      @paulrichards6894 7 дней назад +1

      he didnt do himself any favours...look a shoo in for prison time

  • @rogerbarr9977
    @rogerbarr9977 7 дней назад +127

    This arrogant self centred Post office bully is a joke. Does he really believe what he has said during this enquiry questioning. If so, he is a misguided individual who should be ashamed of himself . This man was supposed to be representing SPMR ,s

  • @alankennedy9673
    @alankennedy9673 7 дней назад +90

    He was described as “aggressive and belligerent”. He disputed that description but when giving his responses he clearly exhibited both traits throughout, for all present to see.
    Completely devoid of self awareness!!

    • @JeanRinger
      @JeanRinger 6 дней назад +1

      Alan you are spot on He showed his true colours

  • @lodgecav490
    @lodgecav490 7 дней назад +10

    Paula Vennells must be really proud of her team of supporters, top quality😂 Hopefully this contribution to the enquiry will boost the chances of Vennells doing some jail time.

  • @alankennedy9673
    @alankennedy9673 7 дней назад +110

    He worked for the PO from the age of 15 and sounds like a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’.
    Caught out, by the Chair, denying facts that PO and Fujitsu had already admitted were true!
    What a total company lackey!!

    • @hugolindum7728
      @hugolindum7728 5 дней назад +2

      When he worked licking stamps aged 15, he was at his level of ability.

  • @jimmyadams628
    @jimmyadams628 7 дней назад +134

    BULLY,BULLY,BULLY

  • @nthnmonkey
    @nthnmonkey 6 дней назад +2

    Still fighting on the side of and making excuses for, the Post Office Bosses.
    This "Union Man" is an absolute disgrace.

  • @DavidBowman-fu6yo
    @DavidBowman-fu6yo 6 дней назад +4

    So arrogant and vile to the extent its obvious he doesn't recognise the position he has now portrayed and the lack of respect shown. I just hope there are consequences

  • @Neil-clare
    @Neil-clare 7 дней назад +82

    Wow what a 🤡 still defending his actions after stabbing their own members in the back……I bet he took a back hander from vennells to. his amount of aggressiveness towards the questions leads me to believe he is guilty of everything he is accused of.

  • @telsurrey1
    @telsurrey1 7 дней назад +72

    He answered all the heart-rending letters from his members with a standard 'cut-and-paste' reply praising Horizon. Despicable human being.

  • @jimmeer
    @jimmeer 7 дней назад +5

    Shows how much reliance you should place on Union officials. What did he do to stand up for his membere- eff all.

  • @gogovideo10
    @gogovideo10 6 дней назад +3

    The irony in him belligerently and aggressively refuting the line of questioning when he's accused of being belligerent and aggressive is just beautiful. A comic couldn't have written a better scene. I needed that laugh, I really did. Hope that one goes down in the history reel.

  • @eljay5746
    @eljay5746 7 дней назад +62

    He sounded more like an employee of the PO rather than a guy trying to represent & defend the members who were paying dues to his organisation. Such a vile creature.

    • @cassandratq9301
      @cassandratq9301 7 дней назад +2

      HE WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF POL!
      BY CONTRACT, HIS ENTIRE ORGANIZATION WAS FUNDED BY POL! Please listen to his entire testimony (+ that of previous witness) as to how that came about.

  • @user-oe9hj9yl7m
    @user-oe9hj9yl7m 7 дней назад +64

    I was an auditor in the post office pre Horizon and I can assure you that the numbers he quotes are TOTALLY incorrect. He definitely worked hand in glove with the post office.

    • @denise4487
      @denise4487 7 дней назад

      Thank you thats what i thought after listening to that vile creature

  • @8-Bit-Retro
    @8-Bit-Retro 3 дня назад +3

    Welcome to the 1970s Trade Union Official. Imagine having to deal with this person in a vulnerable state as a SPM

  • @pamphillips4055
    @pamphillips4055 7 дней назад +4

    The video actually showed the members walking out! That summed up today. I feel sad and sickened watching this poor excuse of a man.

  • @valhaynes858
    @valhaynes858 7 дней назад +66

    Wind bag and vacuously inept. Shameful.

  • @ConstanzeWeber
    @ConstanzeWeber 7 дней назад +38

    My goodness, this inquiry has unearthed a parade of truly despicable people... here's one of the contenders for top spot in that regard.

    • @paulrichards6894
      @paulrichards6894 7 дней назад +10

      i watched andrew parsons last week and thought he was in top spot but this guy came along and blew parsons right out of the water

  • @user-ey6rc1uo3i
    @user-ey6rc1uo3i 7 дней назад +4

    A sensible person would have tried to give a good impression of himself.
    But this guy was fool enough to show everyone just what he was really like.

  • @debramckay4611
    @debramckay4611 6 дней назад +2

    I've watched this over and over and still can't believe the arrogance of this man. He should be prosecuted 😠

  • @washburn8049
    @washburn8049 7 дней назад +71

    A typical turncoat. If he was a stick of rock it would say "I Love the post office and Paula Venells"

  • @julianorchard6129
    @julianorchard6129 7 дней назад +59

    I was a union rep. What the hell is this man about!!!!!

    • @radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina
      @radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina 6 дней назад +1

      He's been bribed

    • @fireskycam9889
      @fireskycam9889 6 дней назад

      "Protecting the brand", as he said.

    • @dovetonsturdee7033
      @dovetonsturdee7033 6 дней назад +1

      I was on the other side, but in my own dealings and negotiations with Shop Stewards and Union Officials in the 1980s, one consistent feature was that, whether in my opinion they were being reasonable or unreasonable, they believed they were arguing for the best interests of their members.
      This person doesn't seem to have the slightest interest at all in the welfare of the members of the Federation he ran.

  • @dingopisscreek
    @dingopisscreek 7 дней назад +5

    He comes across as the typical union negotiator. Loud, aggressive and totally thinks he is right and will put his opinion across no matter who is trying to talk to him. As for The National Federation for Sub-Postmasters - I think it should be renamed The National Federation for the Post Office. They were in the pay of the Post Office and felt beholden to them so the SPM's had no chance did they? How on Earth did he get to the position he is in? My guess is he bullied his way to it. AND he has no self-awareness whatsoever - no idea of how he is seen by others - CONTEMPTIBLE!!

  • @nigelpeever9801
    @nigelpeever9801 6 дней назад +2

    So Mr Thompson do you still maintain that you are not aggressive and belligerent?

  • @michaelbruce5415
    @michaelbruce5415 7 дней назад +61

    I think that the impossible has happened today. Someone who beats POL managers as being a pariah.

    • @Pmrace1960
      @Pmrace1960 5 дней назад +1

      andrew parsons last week was an horrible witness but is a choir boy compared to this monster

  • @mariannerussell5932
    @mariannerussell5932 7 дней назад +67

    Awful man!

  • @adrianb5601
    @adrianb5601 6 дней назад +3

    What’s the point of this Man complete waste of space.

  • @Liverpoolboy01
    @Liverpoolboy01 5 дней назад +3

    He was the enemy within!

  • @landynut1134
    @landynut1134 7 дней назад +49

    What an absolute disgrace, no wonder he couldn't get a Solicitor to help him. He demonstrated here why the NFSP were of no use to the SPM's. He showed exactly why they were right.

  • @peteturner3928
    @peteturner3928 7 дней назад +49

    As a union rep myself, this guy is a disgrace and should be chucked out of his union. The whole idea of the rep is to protect their members from their employers maleficence not the other way round. Shocking performance too and his arrogance and attitude absolutely stinks (a few stuffed brown envelopes from PO found their way in to his hands me thinks!).

    • @MRJERRYCURTIN
      @MRJERRYCURTIN 7 дней назад +2

      Awful specimen

    • @Eleventhearlofmars
      @Eleventhearlofmars 3 дня назад

      More than a few, me thinks he was enjoying many luxury holidays/cruises and the brown envelopes were probably a monthly occurrence.

  • @fatbelly27
    @fatbelly27 7 дней назад +3

    Another one who needs some time in jail to think about what he's done

  • @damiangibson5318
    @damiangibson5318 7 дней назад +3

    If someone was stealing then why would the phone up the help desk and complain about it and risk an audit?

  • @momeara7482
    @momeara7482 7 дней назад +40

    He was paid by the Post Office, and that's where his loyalty lay. A company stooge.