Speaking in a debate on Postal Services at SNP conference today, SNP Trade & Industry Spokesperson, Michael Weir MP, and spokesperson for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, David Thompson, said that the proposed privatisation of postal services was a privatisation too far, and that postal services should be brought under the control of the Scottish Parliament. Speaking in the debate Mr Weir said:

“ Postal services are vital to rural life and rural business, yet the Westminster New Labour Government has brought forward plans to privatise postal services. These proposals will result in private companies cherry-picking the most profitable urban deliveries and therefore an end to the universal doorstep delivery throughout rural Scotland.

“ At the same time rural post offices throughout Scotland are closing at an alarming rate with government proposals to remove benefits payments exacerbating the problem.”

Spokesperson for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, Mr Thompson continued:

“The privatisation of postal services is a privatisation too far. The SNP would maintain the universal postal service as it stands. Access to postal services must continue whether you live in a remote Highland croft or a city centre.

“Today the SNP conference called for the postal service to be brought under the control of the Scottish Parliament. This is a priority because it is clear that Labour politicians sitting in central London fail to grasp the importance of postal services to rural Scotland, and the fact that these services are being jeopardised by their privatisation agenda.”