SNP BRAND LIB/DEM POSTAL GUARANTEE PHONEY

For immediate use: Sunday 19 September 2010


Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


The SNP have seized on conference claims by Scottish Liberal Democrat
leader Tavish Scott, that he has received a "copper-bottomed
guarantee" on the future of the universal service obligation from
Vince Cable.


SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir MP said:


“Tavish Scott’s phoney claim shows how rattled the Liberal Democrats
are in Scotland at the coalitions ludicrous plans to privatise Royal
Mail.


“It is simply inconceivable that the universal service obligation
could survive in its current form after privatisation. Even the
governments own report concedes that. In his update Richard Hooper
says that in future there might be a reduction in the number of days
that mail is uplifted and delivered.


“Vince Cable is going further than any other previous minister and has
made clear that he wishes to have a full privatisation of Royal Mail.
Such a move could have disastrous consequences for mail delivery
services in Scotland, particularly in rural areas which do not have
access to alternative services.


“It is not only individuals but, crucially, business in rural Scotland
that will suffer. It is ironic that this policy is being driven by the
Liberal Democrats. Did those voters in the North of Scotland who
supported them in the General Election vote for further reductions in
their postal services?


“In his speech, Tavish Scott was mixing up Royal Mail with the future
of the Post Office, and he seems oblivious to the fact that the
network closure programme is already at an end.


"This government cannot treat Royal Mail as just another company. It
has a vital social obligation that must be protected. The present
problems are largely a result of the actions of previous London
governments and they have an obligation to invest in the service now
to ensure that it continues to deliver a universal service."


ENDS