Answers to four tests needed to save Royal Mail

The problems besetting Royal Mail (Yorkshire Post, June 15) require the following action:

1. It must reject the temptation to increase again the cost of a postage stamp.

2. Undertake research as to the extent the cost (46p first class) has priced it out of the market.

3. Charge the private operators such as TNT the full postage rate for delivering mail, saving £160m per annum.

4. Find out (and tell the public) the postage costs and quality of service in other countries, and if Royal Mail compares unfavourably, ascertain and consider the better service there.

Number 3 above may raise cries of alarm were we not obliged by the EU to open up the service to competition. Will we be fined if we cease to comply? Cannot we then say we have tried competition and it has resulted in a more expensive service to the public?

If that is not accepted, rather than respond with “get lost”, set the politicians the job of obtaining a “get out” clause to the competition requirements (that would take years, when the situation may change).

Of course, if we change membership of the EU to trading agreements with the countries therein, we would not be so restricted. And as for our politicians, can they be told not to be so fast by even thinking about selling Royal Mail. It is essentially British and favoured by a Royal title.