By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-11-14 15:43:47 | Updated at 2024-11-14 21:36:38
6 hours ago
MPs from across the political spectrum have voiced serious concerns over plans to close 115 Post Office branches across the UK.
The Post Office announced it is seeking to offload these directly-owned branches from its 11,500-strong network.
Branches could either be transferred to retail partners and postmasters, or face closure entirely. Labour and Conservative MPs alike have highlighted the vital role these branches play in their communities, particularly for residents who cannot access online services.
The announcement has sparked immediate local campaigns to save threatened branches. Labour MP Florence Eshalomi raised concerns about three branches in and around her Vauxhall constituency facing potential closure.
"Our Post Offices are the cornerstone for many of our residents - a number of them cannot use online services," she told the Commons.
Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy highlighted similar concerns, noting his town's WH Smith franchise branch is set to close next year.
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The Post Office has confirmed over 100 branches are earmarked for closure
PA
"The Post Office provides an essential service for residents and businesses in our town centres," Murphy said, adding there were no clear plans for a replacement.
Conservative MP Andrew Snowden highlighted strong local opposition to the potential closure of Poulton-le-Fylde Post Office.
A petition launched by Snowden gathered 1,600 signatures in less than 24 hours, demonstrating significant community concern.
"Can I please echo the calls to be able to have time in the House to properly debate the importance of Post Offices, the transformation programme itself," Snowden told the Commons.
MPs are concerned about peoples' ability to access cash
POST OFFICE
Powell told MPs that Labour had "inherited a Post Office that was simply not fit for purpose" following "disinterest from the previous government."
She stressed that no final decisions had been made regarding the future of Crown Post Offices.
The Commons Leader pointed to her own constituency experience, where the Spring Gardens Crown Post Office in Manchester was recently closed.
She acknowledged there were "serious questions for the Post Office to answer in the way that it's running its business."
The Post Office, she concluded, "does seriously need to change."
