pledge to protect post office network

Mr Cable said he was “very committed” to the national network, despite the fact it was drastically reduced following a controversial programme of closures led by Labour ministers.

He also dismissed suggestions the Post Office would suffer under any forthcoming privatisation of Royal Mail, adding that branches would remain Government-owned.

Mr Cable met the people who run Darnall Post Office in Sheffield, which has been revived by a “social enterprise” after it was one of hundreds to close under Labour.

He said: “This is very positive and this Government has absolutely no plans for another wave of Post Office closures. The Post Office remains fully publicly owned and we are very committed to the network.”