SNP SLAM POSTAL PRIVATISATION PLAN

For immediate use – Friday 10 September 2010




Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS




SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir MP has hit out at plans by


the Coalition Government to press ahead with Royal Mail privatisation.



Mr Weir, who gave evidence to the original Hooper inquiry, condemned


Vince Cable’s rush to privatise postal services, and warned the move


would hit rural areas hardest.






Mr Weir said:



“This is absolutely the wrong policy choice, and it is being made at


the worst possible time. Even part-privatisation would spell the


beginning of the end for Royal Mail, and open the door to job losses,


service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal


workers.



“Vince Cable’s plan raises real credibility questions for the Liberal


Democrats who, particularly in the North of Scotland, campaigned to


protect postal services before the election. We now have Liberal


Democrats in government rushing to implement policies that will have a


hugely damaging effect on rural Scotland.



“Talk of giving a few shares to staff is merely a smokescreen to make


the plan more palatable, and Royal Mail would inevitably end up like


some of the other utilities that have been privatised, possibly even


ending up under foreign ownership.


“The part privatisation of Royal Mail will inevitably lead to pressure


on the universal service obligation which is so important to rural


communities, many of which already have a reduced service.






“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.”






ENDS