Kiss of death claim over partial sell-off plans

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http://www.carricktoday.co.uk/news/Post ... 4831066.jp

Published Date: 30 December 2008

THE Government's plans to part-privatise Royal Mail could mean more post office closures and job losses throughout South Ayrshire.
That was the claim by leading SNP politician Adam Ingram this week as details of the proposed sell-off were revealed to the Press.
TNT, a Dutch firm, has confirmed that it expects to take a significant minority stake holding in Royal Mail, investing as much as £3 billion for about a third of the company.

And MSP Mr Ingram said: "This is deeply worrying to everyone who has the interests of Royal Mail at heart.

"The dust from the last round of closures has barely settled, and now it seems the Westminster Government is set to force even more post offices out of business.

"Two thousand five hundred post offices have already closed over the last year, with five post offices lost in South Ayrshire.
"This latest move would be a disaster for the remaining post offices with a serious prospect of new closures.
"It is clear that Labour are prepared to go where not even Mrs Thatcher dared, and privatise large parts of Royal Mail.
"Whatever assurances are now being offered, this will inevitably lead to a run down of the service and substantial job losses."
And the Minister for Children and Early Years added: "This is not the way to guarantee a Royal Mail fit for the 21st century.
"What is needed is a clear commitment that Royal Mail will receive the investment that it desperately needs."