Face facts on Royal Mail - Brown

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http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090228/tu ... 23e80.html
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Face facts on Royal Mail - Brown

1 hour 5 mins ago

Gordon Brown has taken on critics of Government plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail - urging them to face facts about the massive problems facing the postal service. Skip related content

Gordon Brown was greeted by protesters during a visit to Bristol

The Prime Minister, who was heckled by protesters as he arrived to speak in Bristol, said he recognised the concerns of unions and many Labour MPs and would listen to them.

But at a time when there was a huge demand for funds to get the country and public services across the board through the recession, there was no option but to seek outside help, he insisted.

"I think we all recognise that the Royal Mail, which is part of the fabric of our country, faces huge challenges," he said in a keynote speech to Labour's National Policy Forum.

"I ask you to consider the facts we have to face: there is an £8 billion deficit appearing in the pension fund of the Royal Mail; there is a loss of business of sometimes 7-8% each year as a result of new technology; there is a race to keep many of the very big customers who provide the majority of the work that the Royal Mail does."

He went on: "I do say to you that guaranteeing a £25 billion pension fund, spending £1.9 billion on the post office network, maintaining a universal service obligation can be achieved if we make the investment that is necessary to secure the Royal Mail for the future.

"And that is what's behind our proposals to get someone to help us invest so that we can prepare the Royal Mail for the international and national challenges ahead.

"I know this is difficult... but we will continue to talk and address the concerns people have. But I assure you the Government is looking at how we can best prepare for the future, not only of the Royal Mail but the future of all public services in the country.

The Prime Minister was booed and jeered by over 100 Royal Mail protesters as he arrived.

Lord Mandelson published the Bill paving the way for a partial sale of the Royal Mail this week, insisting it would remain in public hands even though up to 30% could be sold to a foreign firm.

[Bouncing Souls]

there is a race to keep many of the very big customers who provide the majority of the work that the Royal Mail does

EH?
does Brown know anything about the Royal Mail. What big customers does RM have left.....? very few! most of the bulk pickups are now handled by TNT/City Post/DHL.
Of course RM still put the stuff through his door, none of the others want that part as its to labour intensive and doesn't make enough money, thanks to the competion YOU allowed to happen without thinking things through.
Jeez how is this guy PM, albeit not for much longer

[TrueBlueTerrier]

there is a race to keep many of the very big customers who provide the majority of the work that the Royal Mail does

EH?
does Brown know anything about the Royal Mail. What big customers does RM have left.....? very few! most of the bulk pickups are now handled by TNT/City Post/DHL.
Of course RM still put the stuff through his door, none of the others want that part as its to labour intensive and doesn't make enough money, thanks to the competion YOU allowed to happen without thinking things through.
Jeez how is this guy PM, albeit not for much longer

Particularly when Government departments where the one jumping ship as well

[k979aaa]

there is a race to keep many of the very big customers who provide the majority of the work that the Royal Mail does

EH?
does Brown know anything about the Royal Mail. What big customers does RM have left.....? very few! most of the bulk pickups are now handled by TNT/City Post/DHL.
Of course RM still put the stuff through his door, none of the others want that part as its to labour intensive and doesn't make enough money, thanks to the competion YOU allowed to happen without thinking things through.
Jeez how is this guy PM, albeit not for much longer

Yep all the big paymasters have left us as i see it gordy don't know jacksh*t is living on borrowed time and money which will be ceased by the unions as an attack on one would be viewed as an attack on all just like NATO!.