McMillan Condemns Postal Privatisation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) condemned the UK Coalition Government plans to go ahead with Royal Mail privatisation.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is undoubtedly the wrong decision being made at the worst possible time. Part-privatisation would be damaging enough but this must signal the beginning of the end for Royal Mail with job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers inevitable.

"Vince Cable’s plan raises real credibility questions for the Liberal Democrats who, particularly in East Dunbartonshire, 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 Scotland.

"It is interesting that the Lib Dems ‘Save our Post Offices’ policy page has been removed from their website. Are they now regretting such a pledge given the likelihood many post offices may have to close under the new proposals?

"A statement from Jo Swinson on her own website states: ‘The Coalition Agreement, drawn up in May 2010, finally offers security for our much valued Post Offices.’ She must surely now apologise to the people of East Dunbartonshire for claiming, falsely, that the Lib Dems would ensure the future of the Royal Mail services.

"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, potentially end up under foreign ownership.

"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."