The Bishop of Gloucester asked a question on the availability of mental health and emotional support for the sub-postmasters, sub-postmistresses, and their families, affected by the consequences of the Horizon Post Office scandal, on 10th January 2024:
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: My Lords, this awful situation highlights so many of our inadequacies in focusing our attention on the right things at the right time and within the right timescale. It is obviously far too early for restorative justice processes to be put in place, but could the Minister offer assurance that attention is being given to mental and emotional support, as well as financial, for all who have lived with the consequences of this injustice for so long?
Lord Offord of Garvel (Con, Department for Business & Trade): I thank the right reverend Prelate. The consequences of this are absolutely wide-ranging and beyond just the immediate financial matters. Our Government are working hard to make the process full, fair and quick. Interim payments have already been made to GLO members, and those with lower-term convictions are having their full claims processed. The emphasis now is on speed and supporting the victims with the immediate issue of compensation. The second issue is getting to the bottom of this awful matter; that is where the Williams inquiry will do its detailed work, and we will get detailed answers to these questions.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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