Royal Mail A part-privatised, utterly wrecked postal service

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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The moment Lord Mandelson published a document entitled 'The Future of the Universal Postal Service in the UK', it seemed clear that our postal service no longer had a future, writes Melissa Kite.

Whenever ministers promise to "save" something by taking it apart it makes me nervous. Call me cynical, but the moment Lord Mandelson published a document entitled "The Future of the Universal Postal Service in the UK", it seemed clear to me that our postal service no longer had a future, would soon cease to be universal, and would certainly not be based in the UK.

Maybe I should give the Prince of Darkness a chance to set out how he is going to "save" the Royal Mail by carving it up into little bits and selling the best parts to foreign parcel firms. But I just feel we've been here before. However he emotes about "modernisation" and "renewal", we know that a Labour part-privatisation ends with a conversation like this:

"Hello, you're through to Royal Mail Direct, how may I help you?"

"I got a note saying I'd missed a parcel."

"Oh that will be Parcel Direct you're wanting. Hold the line, please." (Boyzone sing in the background, 20 minutes elapse)

"Hello, Parcel Direct."

"I've missed a parcel delivery."

"Do you have your seven-digit customer number? Right, I've got those details up for you now. Your parcel was sent to our European Central Sorting Office for holding."

"Can I pick it up?"

"Are you in Rotterdam?"

"No, I'm in Ealing."

"Well, that's probably not your best option in that case. I can have it resent. It should be there a week next Tuesday, between 7am and 6pm. Our driver will call when he's five minutes away."

"But I've got to go to work."

"Would you like to arrange delivery for another month?"

"No, I'll wait in."

"That's all arranged for you then. Would you be interested in hearing about some of our other products and services? We've got a very good deal on broadband at the moment."

"No thanks."

"Would you like me to send you a quote for our new satellite TV package?"

"Not really."

"Can I ask who your gas and electricity suppliers are?"

"Look, I just want my parcel delivered."

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to report you if you continue to take that tone…"

[yorksaint]

Absolutely superb!

[dave-on-the-green]

i like it ,so true ,,

[fmrPOSTIE]

Implementing Partnership
4.6 There are a number of potential routes to establishing a partnership for
the Royal Mail. Equity could be swapped, businesses merged or a
partner could take a direct equity interest. The different routes each have
merits and drawbacks. We will look to prospective partners to make
proposals. The key issue is making sure the partner has a real stake in
making a success of transforming the performance of the business.
The Future of the Universal serivce in the UK

Perhaps this will give Mandelson the "get out cluase" if things get really heated with backbenchers?

Apparently Nic Brown who is Broon's ally has given the "green light" to backbenchers on finding an alternative funding method to RM.(thats if you believe the Daily Mail!)

If a JV is formed no shares are sold? Perhaps that will satisfy the rebels?