MPs oppose Royal Mail privatisation

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WELSH MPs have launched a bid to halt the privatisation of Royal Mail.

The coalition Government wants to sell 90 per cent of the mail collection, sorting and delivery operations, with staff offered the remaining shares.

The Post Office network — which is not covered in the sale — could be turned into a "mutual" company along the lines of upmarket retailer John Lewis.

Plaid MPs have tabled a cross-party Parliamentary amendment aimed at stopping the legislation by blocking the second reading of the Postal Services Bill.


Plaid Hywel Williams said he was worried about the consequences of the sell-off for the postal service in rural areas.

He added that the universal service obligation — which obliges Royal Mail to deliver mail to every address in the UK every working day at the same price — was vital for rural businesses.

"This Postal Services Bill threatens the services and businesses at the heart of our communities," he said.

"Rural Wales, in particular, is especially reliant on the services of the Royal Mail and any reduction to the universal service obligation will seriously impact on the local economy.

"Sub post offices play an important role in the delivery of postal services, and this continuing uncertainty is undermining the confidence of sub- postmasters.

"Of most importance to Wales is the need to ensure the continuation of the universal service provision, which means that it costs the same to deliver a letter to any address in the UK.

"It is an illogical step by the UK Government to change this — especially while last year all four sections of the Royal Mail were in the black for the first time in 20 years and profits rose sharply in the most recent figures.

The Government has given no timescale for the sell-off, but has said it is unlikely to happen before next summer.

It has also said it would not block a foreign company buying the business.

As part of the proposed privatisation, the Government would also take on Royal Mail's £8.4 billion pensions deficit.

[dvbuk55]

Is that all MPs representing welsh constituencies or just the 3 Plaid Cymru MPs