Critical to safeguard the future of post offices - MP

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AN MP has warned the government it must safeguard the future of local post offices after an attempt to guarantee business from the Royal Mail following its privatisation failed in the Commons.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock and Copeland MP Jamie Reed supported a coalition rebellion push for a 10-year inter-business agreement to be inserted into the Postal Services Bill.

MPs said the guarantee was essential to prevent a fresh wave of post office closures across the country, but were defeated in a House of Commons vote.

Despite efforts from the two Cumbrian MPs, the Postal Services Bill, which could see 90 per cent of the firm end up in foreign hands, was approved by the Commons with a government majority of 81.

Mr Woodcock said: “I am not convinced that this is the right approach. The critically important thing is that we safeguard the future of our post offices.

“We have to recognise that the last Labour government and the previous Tory administration have got lessons to learn about the value that people place on keeping post offices open, but I am concerned that many more closed under the previous Tory government than the last Labour government.

“It is now up to the new government to show they have learnt the lessons.”

Ministers say the sell-off would attract new investment and modernise the business.

But Labour said the government had “not made the fundamental case” for privatising such a “vital part of infrastructure”.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron was not at the vote as he was travelling to campaign for the Lib Dems ahead of Thursday night’s by-election defeat in Oldham East and Saddleworth.