SNP call on UK government to ‘come clean’

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called on the UK coalition government to “come clean” over plans for privatisation of Royal Mail after a parliamentary answer received by SNP MP Mike Weir raised questions about the government’s plan.

Following the answer SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir MP is seeking clarification of the government’s intention following comments that they were looking at a “John Lewis” solution.

A parliamentary answer from Ed Davey, the Postal Affairs Minister, confirmed that the government was looking at “an injection of private capital into Royal Mail, including opportunities for employee ownership.” However, Mr Weir pointed out that John Lewis was a partnership which shared profits amongst the partners.

Weir said in a statement: “Talk about the John Lewis model is simply as a smokescreen for privatisation of Royal Mail. It is clear that the Tories and Liberals are seeking to privatise the business and offer workers a small amount of shares to give the impression of employee participation rather than complete employee or continued public ownership.

“The UK government needs to come clean – this is nothing more than the same old privatisations operated by the Thatcher administrations. When the utility companies were privatised customers were offered shares, but the reality now is that all but two of the companies have been taken over by major foreign energy giants.

“If the UK government is allowed to go down this route it is only a matter of time before the company comes wholly under private control. Such an outcome would be a disaster and inevitably lead to strong pressure for relaxation or abolition of the universal service obligation.

“The USO is vital to rural areas of Scotland and if it was to be downgraded many areas might find themselves with no effective postal service. Not only would that reduce the service to individuals it would seriously damage efforts to promote businesses in rural areas.

“Royal Mail cannot be regarded as simply another company. It contains a vital social element that must be protected.”

Relevant Directory Listings

Listing image

SwipBox

Focus on the user experience SwipBox is focused on creating the world’s best user experience for delivering and picking up parcels using parcel lockers. Through a combination of intuitive network management software and hassle-free, app-operated parcel lockers, SwipBox delivers maximum convenience to logistics providers, retailers […]

Find out more

Other Directory Listings

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What’s the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



MER Magazine


The Mail & Express Review (MER) Magazine is our quarterly print publication. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, MER is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

 

News Archive

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This