Birmingham protest over Royal Mail sell-off
More than 250 people descended upon Birmingham on Saturday to protest against plans to privatise UK operator Royal Mail. The demo was organised by the Communication Workers Union (CWU), who argue that current plans by the coalition government will lead to “a loss in service, higher prices and post office closures”.
Lee Barron, Midlands regional secretary of the CWU, said: “The plans to privatise the Royal Mail have no support from the public and we are demonstrating in Birmingham to send a clear message to politicians that Royal Mail is not for sale. There is no mandate for this whatsoever and we will fight the plans all the way.”
The Postal Services Bill – which sets out the agenda for Royal Mail’s privatisation – was passed by MPs in the House of Commons earlier this month.
Steve Reid, branch secretary of the CWU Birmingham and District Branch said: “The sell-off will lead to post office closures and an end to the six day per week, one-price-goes-anywhere delivery which has been an institution in this country for centuries.”
Speakers at the rally included Billy Hayes, general secretary of the CWU, and Jack Dromey, MP for Erdington.
