Brian Simpson MEP Issues Statement Against Royal Mail Privatisation

The Royal Mail is an institution with a long history.  People in all communities have depended on its services over many generations and still do even to this day.  The men and women who work for the Royal Mail are dedicated, hard working public servants who are committed to giving the general public and Royal Mail customers the best service possible.

It is my view that privatisation puts all of this at risk for no apparent reason save that of helping private operators 'cherry pick' the best bits at the expense of others.

Whilst the European Parliament ensured that a universal service must be guaranteed, we know from past experience that full liberalisation and privatisation will lead to the introduction of minimum service levels and the erosion of the working conditions of Royal Mail staff.

What Royal Mail needs is investment.  Public investment so that as a publicly owned company it can compete on equal terms with the private operators.  It needs the Government to take on its responsibilities to ensure the best possible service levels delivered by a motivated workforce.  Privatisation is not the answer.  Part Privatisation is not the answer.  The answer lies in a well funded public institution that is given the tools to do the job.  In such circumstances, I believe the Royal Mail will be a great asset to our nation and deliver the services that the people require, efficiently and profitably.

BRIAN SIMPSON MEP

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