Commenting on the news that the Labour party is facing a revolt by over 60 of it backbenchers opposing the plans to part privatise the Royal Mail, North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell has said that whilst the Royal Mail needs modernisation, it should not affect the vital services the Post Office offers to communities across the country.
Sir Menzies said:
“I have repeatedly said that Post Offices are vital to local communities right across the country. I campaigned hard against the recent losses of Post Office services here in North East Fife and it is very important that the future of these services does not erode any further. The successful campaign, which the public supported so well, to ensure that the Post Office retained the Card Account for pensions and benefits has meant that 3000 extra branches need not close.
“The Hooper review into the modernisation of the Royal Mail published back in December makes clear, the status quo is not an option. Royal Mail must be restructured if it is ever to return to profit, as the Liberal Democrats called for two years ago.
“In principle I support part-privatisation as a way of helping to provide investment to modernise the service, but I am concerned about Royal Mail’s future profitability and also about government support for its pension scheme. The important role the Post Office plays in communities in North East Fife must not be adversely affected by any part privatisation.â€
