UK Government resignations over Royal Mail

SNP Westminster Postal Affairs spokesperson, Mike Weir MP has described the resignation of Jim McGovern as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the UK Minister for Employment and Postal Affairs over the part-privatisation of Royal Mail, as "too late in the day".

"Labour are deeply split and in serious trouble over their mishandling of our Post Offices, and disastrous part-privatisation plans. This is the latest mess for the country and the Labour Party created by Peter Mandelson – it will not be the last.

"But Jim McGovern’s has missed the last post with his resignation.

"It would have been more creditable if Jim McGovern had taken a principled stance months ago when the post office network was being slashed, instead of carrying the bag of the Minister leading the cuts.

"His late in the day resignation will do nothing to help the five post offices which are being closed in Dundee, or the hundreds being closed across the country.

"Labour’s part-privatisation plans for Royal Mail are madness and Jim McGovern’s resignation underlines the fear amongst Labour MPs that their jobs are on the line."