Mandelson urged to end uncertainty over Royal Mail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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The government was urged yesterday to end the "uncertainty" hanging over the postal sector following the shelving of its controversial plan to part-privatise the Royal Mail.

Consumer Focus called on Business Secretary Lord Mandelson to introduce new legislation to press ahead with planned regulatory changes, including making Ofcom rather than Postcomm the sector's regulator, regardless of whether or not the sale of a minority stake in Royal Mail goes ahead.

The consumer group warned that important safeguards for customers could start to "falter" unless action was taken.

Chairman Larry Whitty said: "Consumer Focus has always maintained a neutral view on the partnership proposal, but thinks that the regulatory limbo affecting the postal sector will start affecting consumers if uncertainty continues.

"Plans to reform postal regulation have been on hold for too long. The longer it takes, the greater the risk of slipping standards.

"Royal Mail and other operators need certainty so they can modernise and continue to fund the universal postal service. The government cannot put postal regulation on hold while it waits for market conditions to improve.

Earlier this week, Lord Mandelson said the government remained committed to controversial plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail despite shelving a bill in the face of fierce opposition from Labour MPs and unions.

He told a committee of MPs he was "disappointed" that the partial sale was not going ahead, blaming market conditions for making it "impossible" to bring in a strategic partner.

He added: "We remain entirely committed to these proposals and would like to see them implemented when market conditions allow."

[Big Daz]

Lord Larry Whitty is a Labour peer if Im not mistaken.

Reading through hansard his name pops up a lot and he seemed to do a good job scrutnising the proposals put forward by the prince of darkness.

[andy2007]

I didn't know that Ozzy Osbourne was involved in Politics.

But seriously: They made their minds up a long time ago. It's not a matter of IF they try again to Privatise us, but WHEN.

[k979aaa]

I used too remember :lfo banging on about a stake in our industry!. Why can we not have a stake in the minister for business and enterprise and industry!. :mfo Oh don't forget the holy water and cucifix and a big spade with a sharp blade!. :mfo :mfo :mfo :mfo :mfo