'Mini-rebellion' on sell-off plans
Opponents of the Government's plans to privatise the Royal Mail last night claimed there were signs of a "mini rebellion" by coalition MPs as the Bill reaches its final stages in the Commons today.
Postal Affairs Minister Ed Davey said the Royal Mail and the Post Office were at a "crossroads", and the sell-off plans promised the service a "brighter future".
But Westminster sources said there was growing support for amendments being put forward to the Postal Services Bill, including moves to make sure there was an inter-service agreement between the Royal Mail and the Post Office. The Communication Workers Union has warned that selling off the Royal Mail arm of the business will hit post offices and could lead to a fresh wave of branch closures.