SALMOND WARNS BRUCE OVER POST OFFICE THREAT
>> 29 June 2010
GORDON MSP WARNS OF POST OFFICES ATTACK FROM LIBDEMS
Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has today warned that the UK Government’s decision to rush the privatisation of post offices is ‘exactly the wrong policy at exactly the wrong time’.
Following a statement by LibDem Mnister Ed Davey, where he indicated he was considering an update on the Hooper Report on modernising the Post Office, Mr Salmond has warned that privatisation could have dire consequences for Gordon Post Offices.
Commenting on the LibDem’s threat to Post Offices in the North East, Mr Salmond said:
“Once again the LibDem’s are rolling over for the Tories on an issue they campaigned hard on during the election. Have fought against Post Office privatisation to win votes in May, they’re now rushing to do exactly the opposite to win Government jobs in June.
“The part privatisation of Royal Mail will inevitably lead to pressure on the universal service obligation which is so important to rural communities like ours. Many of our local Post Offices here in the North East already run on a reduced service, and any form of privatisation will accentuate this problem.
“The previous Labour government had to withdraw similar proposals under public pressure, but the new coalition is clearly determined to resuscitate the privatisation plan aginast the public’s wishes.
“There is no logic behind these proposals. Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.”
