PRIVATE COMPANIES REJECTING ROYAL MAIL PLANS.

PRIVATE COMPANIES REJECTING ROYAL MAIL PLANS.

FIGHT FOR ROYAL MAIL JOBS COMES TO HOLYROOD The SNP has today called for the UK government to "go back to the drawing board" and "get a grip" on the future of the Royal Mail after one of the proposed private sector bidders pulled out. The Financial Times today reports that Deutsche Post, a German Logistics Company, have withdrawn their interest in taking over part of the Royal Mail. The SNP will tonight debate the future of the Royal Mail in the Scottish Parliament as MSPs state their opposition to the UK Government's proposals which could threaten jobs in the Royal Mail service. Commenting on developments by Deutsche Post SNP MP and Postal Affairs Spokesman Mike Weir said; "Labour's plans to privatise the Royal Mail are falling apart at the seams. It's time for the UK Government to ditch this lunatic proposal and go back to the drawing board. "With private sector operators refusing to get involved Labour's plans are going nowhere. "With other proposals coming forward of a not for profit option or an employee owned Royal Mail it's time for the UK Government to get a grip and to do it quickly." SNP MSP Jamie Hepburn who will lead the debate in the Scottish Parliament tonight in support of the campaign to keep the post public said; "The future of Royal Mail as a public service is a vital interest to Scotland. The postal service must remain run for and owned by the public. "It is plain as day that privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail, opening the door to job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers. "The privatisation of the Royal Mail could not happen at a worse time. When people all over Scotland are focussed on job prospects as we make our way through tough times, the last thing they want is the Postal Service to be put it the hands of private partner whose only concern would be to make a profit. "It is disappointing to see that despite this weekend's speculation that the plans will be dropped to spare Gordon Brown a further embarrassing defeat the UK Government seems determined to continue. "With Labour MPs rebelling in London I hope at least one Labour MSP will speak up for those Royal Mail employees fearful of their future under Labour's privatisation plans. "The SNP is committed to seeing the Royal Mail remain a public service and we will continue to put pressure on the UK Government to drop this ridiculous privatisation plan."