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Royal Mail — [Siobhain McDonagh in the Chair]
17 June 2021
Lead MP
David Johnston
Responding Minister
Paul Scully
Tags
EconomyCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 9487
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
David Johnston raised concerns about royal mail — [siobhain mcdonagh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
David Johnston requested that Royal Mail review operations and possibly invest some of its profits to address staffing or facility issues. He also suggested a simpler compensation process for delayed deliveries based on automatic triggers when late delivery thresholds are breached.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
MP David Johnston expressed concerns about the performance of Royal Mail, noting a significant increase in complaints since August 2020. He cited specific cases where constituents missed medical appointments due to delayed mail and received condolence cards late after losing loved ones. Over 65% of his constituents have experienced issues such as missing important letters for extended periods (one to three weeks). Royal Mail's first-class delivery target fell to 74.7%, its lowest level in recent years, while the company reported record profits.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Catherine West reported concerns from 130 constituents regarding issues with Royal Mail service, particularly during the second and third waves of COVID-19. Issues included late delivery causing fees for unpaid bills, missed vaccine invitation letters, and delayed receipt of important documents affecting medical treatment access. She requested a reopening of the delivery office opposite Hornsey railway station due to improved financial conditions at Royal Mail.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Chi Onwurah, as the shadow Minister for postal affairs, highlighted the importance of Royal Mail to communities and businesses during the pandemic. She acknowledged the service provided by posties but criticised privatisation that led to record profits for Royal Mail while consumers and workers faced rising costs, longer delivery times, and job losses. She mentioned 12,000 jobs lost between 2013 and 2017 due to operational changes such as online stamp printing, reduction of opening times, and closure of sorting offices.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
The MP paid tribute to postal workers for their service during the pandemic, noting significant infection rates among them. She highlighted severe delivery issues in her SE22 constituency due to a merger of delivery offices that led to unreliable services and distressing consequences for residents. The MP called for better regulation of Royal Mail to include public consultation on office closures, tighter geographical coverage rules, and improved performance data.
Mitcham and Morden
Reminded hon. Members about changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements, including timings of debates and camera requirements for virtual participants.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Paid tribute to the debate's importance and highlighted Royal Mail's historical prestige. Criticised the government for privatising Royal Mail in 2013, arguing this decision may be at the root of current issues. Noted that despite struggling with delivery targets, Royal Mail is making record profits (£762 million pre-tax profit). Discussed the closure of post office counters in Aberdeen and thanked staff for their efforts during the pandemic.
Government Response
Paul Scully
Government Response
The Minister thanked Royal Mail for their dedication during the pandemic, acknowledged service disruptions due to high levels of sickness absence and changes in consumer behaviour. He noted that Ofcom supports measures taken by Royal Mail under emergency conditions and is monitoring performance closely. The regulatory framework allows flexibility to manage emergencies, and future reviews will consider extra consumer protections and market changes.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.