Assurance demanded on Post Office future

£1.3bn pledge fails to convince MP Woolas
Oldham MP Phil Woolas has called on Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to guarantee the future of Post Offices across the borough.

Yesterday Lib-Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the Post Office would receive £1.3 billion of extra funding over the next four years.

Mr Cable told the Commons the funding would be used to reform the network and secure its long-term future, reversing years of decline.

He made the announcement during second reading of the Postal Services Bill, which sets out plans to privatise Royal Mail.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Woolas said: “For years, local Liberal Democrats have castigated Labour about the future of the Post Offices.

“Now, Vincent Cable is privatising the Royal Mail and slashing the Post Office network.

“It is sad and pathetic to see the Liberal Democrats in league with Conservatives over an issue which they have made the central plank of millions of wasted Focus leaflets and thousands of deceptive petitions.

The truth is that they say one thing to one group and the opposite to another. Now they are part of a shabby compromise Government, which nobody voted for, they are standing on their heads.

“An apology would be nice but there’s more chance of flying pigs over Saddleworth Moor”

Mr Cable added: “I repeat — there will be no programme of closures under this Government and the Post Office will be able to invest, improve its offer and win new revenue streams.”