Thursday, 7 May 2009

SNP RAMP UP OPPOSITION TO ROYAL MAIL PRIVATISATION

"Postal service is highly valued by communities across Banff & Buchan" – Eilidh Whiteford

The SNP has 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. SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has reiterated the SNP's support of this important public service and pledged to keep up the pressure on the UK Labour Govenrment.

Meanwhile in the Scottish Parliament SNP MSPs have tabled a debate on the future of the Royal Mail as MSPs state their opposition to the UK Government's proposals which could threaten jobs in the Royal Mail service.

Commenting on developments Eilidh Whiteford said:

"These ridiculous proposals by the Westminster Labour Government are opposed by polticians across the board, by Royal Mail employees and by Royal Mail customers. Here in Banff & Buchan many people have expressed concern to me and it's time this flawed plan was dropped.


"The proposals to privatise the Royal Mail are now falling apart at the seams. The UK Government needs to go back to the drawing board and develop a positive policy that supports the vital public service that is Royal Mail.

"The future of Royal Mail as a public service is a vital interest to Scotland and especially in areas like rural Banff & Buchan. The postal service is highly valued by communities across the North-east and 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 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."