MPs from all parties express concern about the future of rur

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MPs from all parties express concern about the future of rural postal services

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MPs from all parties express concern about the future of rural postal services

Widespread support for debate in Parliament

MPs from across the political spectrum have come together to express concern about the future of rural postal services. 27 MPs from all the parties in Westminster have supported a motion that has been accepted for a three hour debate on September 2nd by the Common’s Backbench Business Committee.

The primary sponsors for the motion are MPs from the Labour Party, Conservative Party and SNP.

Katy Clark MP (Labour) said:

“I am pleased to be a lead member of the group of cross-party MPs calling for this debate. I fear for the future of Royal Mail and the impact privatisation could have on deliveries to rural communities. The House of Commons backbench business committee accepted the need for this important debate which will allow MPs of all parties to voice their concerns and hold the Government to account.”

Sheryl Murray MP (Conservative) said:

“Having so many tiny villages in my constituency where the rural Post Office is a vital service particularly for the elderly, young parents and vulnerable people I was pleased to sponsor the application for this debate.

“It is essential that we retain rural Post Offices which are often the hub of local villages in South East Cornwall.”

Mike Weir MP (SNP) said:

“I remain absolutely opposed to the privatisation The Universal Service Obligation is vitally important to rural areas and, in particular, small businesses that rely on Royal Mail.”

“We should consider Royal Mail not as an ordinary business but as a vital driver of the rural economy.”

The Backbench Business Committee accepted the argument that there has not been sufficient Parliamentary time allocated to debating the future of Royal Mail and the post office network. The motion is a mechanism that will enable MPs to challenge the government about the future of rural postal services. In particular they will be keen to understand how the universal postal service obligation is sustainable in the longer term given the competitive pressures on Royal Mail in urban areas and its need to return profits to shareholders. Of equal concern is the impact the sale of Royal Mail will have on the future of the post office network.

Ends

Note for editors:

The following MPs signed the motion

Mike Weir MP, Sheryll Murray MP, Katy Clark MP Mike Crockart MP, Jonathan Edwards MP, Hywel Williams MP, Andrew George MP, Roger Williams MP, Dan Rogerson MP, Caroline Lucas MP, Andrew Turner MP, Margaret Ritchie MP, Alan Johnson MP, Michael McCann MP, Anne McKechhin MP, Caroline Nokes MP, Angus Robertson MP, Eilidh Whiteford MP, Angus MacNeill MP, Stewart Hosie MP, Pete Wishart MP, Elfyn Llwyd MP, Mark Williams MP, Jim Shannon MP.

The motion reads:

“This House recognises the vital contribution that Royal Mail makes to rural areas; the six day a week collection and delivery service to rural and remote areas is invaluable to local life; the relationship Royal Mail has with the post office network is equally important for the continued survival of post offices; recognises that the impending privatisation of Royal Mail will place a question mark over its willingness to maintain what may be loss making services; calls on the government to provide more concrete, long term protections for postal services in rural areas, remote areas and islands while ensuring the postal universal service obligation in its current form endures.”