A new law could be brought in to quash the convictions of Post Office branch managers caught up in the Horizon IT scandal under plans being considered by ministers.
Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk has held crunch talks with senior judges about how to address the miscarriage of justice suffered by hundreds of subpostmasters.
He told MPs that “active consideration” was being given to the idea of legislation to clear the names of those affected by the “appalling injustice”.
“I expect to be able to make further announcements shortly,” Justice Secretary Mr Chalk told the Commons.
Under normal circumstances, the Criminal Cases Review Commission would look at the individual convictions and potentially send them to the Court of Appeal.
But the unprecedented scale of the Horizon scandal could require the extraordinary step of blanket legislation to clear the names of those affected.
Mr Chalk said there were “truly exceptional circumstances”, adding “it is truly unprecedented and it will need an appropriate resolution”.
Downing Street said the judiciary did not raise “any significant challenges” over the plans.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Those discussions have taken place, I don’t know if they have got any others scheduled.
“I’m not aware of any significant challenges being raised.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said ministers “intend to move very quickly” to resolve the issue.
A solution could be announced by the end of the week, the Cabinet minister said.
