Greens oppose Royal Mail sell-off

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The Greens have set out plans for the next Scottish Parliament to protect Royal Mail in Scotland from privatisation.

The party will seek to open negotiations with UK ministers to keep Royal Mail's operations north of the border in public hands.

The Scottish Green party also plans to support the post office network by turning branches into "one-stop shops" for access to a wider range of public services and to help social enterprises take over post offices threatened with closure.

Co-leader Patrick Harvie launched the proposals outside the recently closed Crosshill Post Office in Glasgow.

Mr Harvie said: "Attempting to sell off the Royal Mail is a mistake of historic proportions by the Westminster Government and their predecessors, and one that most people remain unaware of.

"The next Scottish Parliament must not let the Royal Mail's Scottish operation be sold off to the private sector without a whimper.

"After the election, Scottish ministers should urgently open talks with their UK counterparts to ensure Scottish services are retained in public hands.

"Make no mistake, this will not be simple, nor will it be cheap but the alternative is a Scotland where yet another vital public service is gutted for short-term profit and where access to public services through post offices continues to decline."

Legislation allowing Royal Mail to be sold off cleared the House of Commons in January.

Under the UK Government's plan, private buyers will be allowed to own up to 90% of Royal Mail, with at least 10% of shares going to employees.

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