POST OFFICE PLAN WILL BE DAMAGING SAYS MP

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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ANGUS MP and SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir has blasted the coalition government's rush to privatise postal services as the wrong policy at the worst possible time.

In a written statement, Liberal Democrat Minister Ed Davey indicated he was seeking an update of the Hooper report on Postal Services. Mr Weir, who gave both verbal and written evidence to the original Hooper inquiry, condemned the move.

He said: "Despite successfully campaigning to save Cairnie Street and Glamis Post Offices from closure, postal services in rural Angus has been under threat from successive UK Governments.

"I have fought for the retention of the universal service which protects rural postal services, but we now have Liberal Democrats in government rushing to implement policies that will have a damaging effect on Angus.

"The part privatisation of Royal Mail will inevitably lead to pressure on the universal service obligation which is so important to our rural communities."

He went on: "The previous Labour government had to withdraw similar proposals under public pressure, but the new Con-Dem coalition are clearly determined to resuscitate the privatisation plan which would allow private firms to cherry pick the larger populated areas, leaving rural counties, such as Angus with a reduced postal service.

"There is no logic behind these proposals. Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who are unable to source alternative carriers.

"This is the wrong policy being put in place at the worst possible time."

[worktotime]

http://www.arbroathherald.co.uk/news/PO ... 6392131.jp

ANGUS MP and SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir has blasted the coalition government's rush to privatise postal services as the wrong policy at the worst possible time.

In a written statement, Liberal Democrat Minister Ed Davey indicated he was seeking an update of the Hooper report on Postal Services. Mr Weir, who gave both verbal and written evidence to the original Hooper inquiry, condemned the move.

He said: "Despite successfully campaigning to save Cairnie Street and Glamis Post Offices from closure, postal services in rural Angus has been under threat from successive UK Governments.

"I have fought for the retention of the universal service which protects rural postal services, but we now have Liberal Democrats in government rushing to implement policies that will have a damaging effect on Angus.

"The part privatisation of Royal Mail will inevitably lead to pressure on the universal service obligation which is so important to our rural communities."

He went on: "The previous Labour government had to withdraw similar proposals under public pressure, but the new Con-Dem coalition are clearly determined to resuscitate the privatisation plan which would allow private firms to cherry pick the larger populated areas, leaving rural counties, such as Angus with a reduced postal service.

"There is no logic behind these proposals. Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who are unable to source alternative carriers.

"This is the wrong policy being put in place at the worst possible time."

so would this mean that the so called competition would be delivering mail the last mile , i dont think so , why cant people just leave it alone , if its not broke dont fix it comes to mind.