MANDELSON PRIVATISATION PLANS IN PIECES.

MANDELSON PRIVATISATION PLANS IN PIECES.

COMMONS COMMITTEE UNCONVINCED ON ROYAL MAIL PLAN

Controversial UK Government plans for part-privatisation of Royal Mail are “in pieces” today (Wednesday) after a Commons Committee said the government has not made the case for the move, and criticised the worrying lack of transparency over Lord Mandelson’s proposals.

SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, seized on the Business and Enterprise Committee report, which follows attacks on the privatisation proposals by unions, Labour MPs and party officials.

Mr Weir said:

“Labour’s privatisation plans are now holed below the water line and sinking fast.

”Backbench rebellions are one thing, but for the cross-party committee which is scrutinising these proposals to say they are not convinced leaves Lord Mandelson’s plans in pieces.

“It is plain as day that 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.

“A private partner will only be concerned with profit, and Royal Mail must not loose the social focus which is essential for rural areas. Labour must ditch these ridiculous plans, and focus on investing in Royal Mail as a public service for the public good.

“Assurances that there could not be any further privatisation without new primary legislation, and setting out the Universal Service Obligation in legislation, are simply worthless.

”Such legislation could be introduced or amended at any time in a future parliament, and part-privatisation is the start of a slippery slope towards full privatisation.

“The future of Royal Mail as a public service is a vital interest to Scotland and every community and small business should make known their outright opposition to this crazy scheme.”