Post Office Horizon: Compensation and Legislation

Jonathan Gullis Excerpts

Monday 26th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Kevin Hollinrake]

I certainly apologise to all those people to whom the hon. Member refers. I read the reports this weekend about the number of people who have passed away. Indeed, one of my constituents, Sam Harrison of Nawton in Helmsley—one of the original 555—passed away last May prior to receiving compensation, which was devastating for the family. Just to be clear, those claims can still go forward and their estates will be compensated to the same degree. Nevertheless, that is slim comfort in that situation. “Family members” are those who have been directly affected by someone being convicted or prosecuted by the Post Office or the Crown Prosecution Service. Other family members can be compensated under the wider process—for example, where a house has been lost or a bankruptcy has happened. They can benefit through routes for compensation to the family in general. I am happy to have a discussion about everything that we need to look at in that area.

[Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)]

Order. The hon. Gentleman will find out that I like to observe the courtesies of the House.

That concludes the proceedings on the statement. I thank the Minister and those on the Opposition Front Bench for their attendance.