MP blasts own party over mail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/MP-blasts-own ... 5190864.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A Lancashire MP battling to save the Royal Mail has blasted her own party – after Labour chose a cheaper rival for a mass rallying call.
Labour has used Dutch firm TNT to post pro-Labour material to 800,000 homes.

But Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith – who spearheaded a House of Commons revolt against the part-privatisation of the Royal Mail – said: "I do think it sends out all the wrong signals and do think it is disgraceful that they are not using Royal Mail.

"I don't think it will do much to convince postal workers to vote Labour – they will be angry."

Her motion, put forward in January, has been supported by fellow Lancashire Labour MPs Mark Hendrick, David Borrow and Lindsay Hoyle.

Coun Geoff Driver, the Conservative group leader at County Hall, said: "The Conservatives support Royal Mail and it's typical Labour – say one thing and do another."

Coun Tony Martin revealed the Labour party headquarters in London was behind the move.

Coun Martin said: "It was cheaper than Royal Mail."

Preston's Labour MP Mark Hendrick said: "I think they should be using Royal Mail – I would be interested to know why they have gone to TNT and what the differences in the price of the services were. The Royal Mail is supportive of Labour. I can't understand how we have got into that position."

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle added: "It is unpalatable. I'm a firm believer in Royal Mail and we should be using it. I have complained about Chorley Council delivering its bills using TNT and I think it's equally wrong for TNT to be used by us. We should be setting the example by using Royal Mail.

"The worst thing is postmen have to deliver this on TNT's behalf."

Earlier this month it was reported that TNT was still interested in buying a stake in Royal Mail.

The confirmation followed the disclosure that Peter Mandelson held meetings with the Dutch firm in December in January.

[dvbuk55]

How long will it take before people, and some influential at that, realise other people AREN'T delivering their mail, it's US.

[Big Daz]

:mfo

[Pinky 1]

"I don't think it will do much to convince postal workers to vote Labour – they will be angry."

Unless there's a big turnaround, you can shove it up your jacksy ! :mfo

[Aaron24uk]

ive worked for the royal mail for 3 years now i think IT IS ABSOLUTLY RIDICULOUS HOW THEY WOULD PRIVITIZE A PUBLIC SECTOR ...... I WILL MOST DEFINITLY GO ON STRIKE ......... LOOK AT THE U.S THEY WOULD NEVER DREAM ON PRIVTIZING THERE MAIL BUISINESS! SCREW MANDELSON