SNP opposes UK gov Royal Mail privatisation

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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SNP Postal Affairs Spokesperson Mike Weir MP has strongly opposed attempts by the UK government to privatise Royal Mail, saying that it would be incredibly damaging to the local economy.

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons Mr Weir said Royal Mail, and in particular the universal service, was essential for rural businesses.

Mr Weir said:

“Despite the outrageous claims of Project Fear from the No campaign, the real danger for the mail service is not independence but remaining in the United Kingdom. A privatised mail service would be a disaster for Scotland and we must ensure that we have a publicly owned mail that delivers for all of Scotland.

“Last Christmas I visited my local sorting office and was struck by the fact that they were stocked with packages from Amazon and similar online retailers.

“The process also works both ways, however, small and medium sized businesses in rural areas also use Royal Mail and, in most cases, do not have an alternative. The universal service is absolutely crucial to them and hopes of both creating and sustaining business in rural areas.

“Unfortunately in the run up to privatisation we have already seen substantial increases in the cost of a first class stamp and the removal of price caps on all bar second class letters putting greater burdens on small businesses. Things could get much worse. I tackled the regulator as to whether Royal Mail could introduce a pricing structure that charged higher prices in some areas than others, and they confirmed they would not have the power to stop them.

“The regulator has already allowed cherry picking by other operators who are now providing a full end to end service in some areas of London. They will clearly go for easy to manage routes and not hard to deal with rural areas. A sign of the inevitable pressures after privatisation.

“We should stop looking at Royal Mail as a drain on resources; after all in the current year it has made a substantial profit. It is an economic driver in rural areas and should be seen as such and an important part of our national infrastructure.”

[brian312]

Surely common sense that deliveries in major cities subsidise rural areas. And there aren't that many major cities in Scotland...but plenty of rural. A Scottish Mail would have to be heavily subsidised by the Govt IMO. Mind you they could maybe make a bob or two from "international" postage from Gretna to Carlisle