An official report has accepted that the government made a series of mistakes in the way it treated victims of the July 7 bombings.

Backed by Tessa Jowell and John Reid, it said lessons must be learned from the terrorist attacks on London's transport network.

Friday's study examined how the government and emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the attacks.

Based on interviews conducted by the culture secretary and the home secretary, it listed a series of shortcomings and made recommendations to ensure that Britain is better prepared in future.

The emergency services were praised for "huge bravery and professionalism" on the day.

Failings

But failures in communication, a lack of telephone helplines and the absence of a central reception point for walking wounded were among the problems identified.

"We accept there was more we could have done in our preparations and in our response on the day and in the days and weeks that followed," the report said.

It added government contact "was viewed to be slow and organisations did not work together to share information and offer a joined-up support service".

It said there were problems contacting the police casualty bureau call centre and those trying to find loved ones found it difficult to get information.

And there were concerns about the time it took to identify victims.

The report also examined how survivors and their families were treated in the aftermath of the bombings.

It said there could have been better facilities for survivors to communicate with each other and contact details should have been better shared among key organisations and support agencies.

"Some people have had problems getting access to appropriate specialist counselling for psychological effects," the report said.

And there were concerns over the amount of compensation available and delays in decisions and receiving payments.

"The lengthy processes involved in applying for compensation, including repeat requests for evidence and delays in reaching decisions, were stressful and distressing."

Experiences

The home secretary said July 7 saw "some incredible acts of bravery and there can be no doubt that many lives were saved thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in the response".

"However, where shortcomings have been identified, we have set out the work in hand to address them," Reid said. 

"In times of crisis, information and support must be readily available and easy to access for those who need it."

And Jowell said: "The July 7 last year was a day of infamy and heroism.

"Both on the part of the emergency services and transport workers, who took enormous risks to save lives, but also the many Londoners who showed extraordinary humanity and selflessness in helping and comforting the victims.

"Since the attacks we have met with many of those who were bereaved or injured.

"While they have differing experiences, it is clear that more could have been done to support all those who were caught up in the attacks - on the day and in the weeks and months that followed."

Lessons

The study was welcomed by Richard Barnes, who chaired a London assembly committee's own investigation into the events of July 7.

"Our investigation taught us that the most important lesson of all is to listen to the experiences of people most directly affected by such incidents," he said.

"The committee welcomes the fact that government has recognised the emergency response to the bombing of London, though commendable, fell short of the ideal.

"We look forward to examining the responses to our report at our next meeting."