The Post Office is much more than a business. It is a vital part of the UK's social and economic fabric. It connects communities, supports local economies and ensures access to essential services across the country. We must save the Post Office from Keir Starmer.
From rural villages in constituencies like mine to inner cities, postmasters are trusted figures who provide a lifeline for people who rely on face-to-face services, particularly the elderly, vulnerable people and small businesses. As high street banks close across the country, Post Offices are playing an increasingly important role delivering services that local people and high street businesses need. Without them, people may live in banking deserts where there is literally no access to cash.
And people are voting with their feet, and these are increasingly popular services - bank deposits to Post Offices are up by 68%.
It is of course a challenge for the Post Office to grow and evolve with the times.
The numbers of letters sent is steadily declining, and more Government services are online.
But the answer is not to axe thousands of branches, duck this challenge and hang our towns and villages out to dry. Labour cut thousands of branches when they were last in government. This time, they are back to finish the job.
This is a death knell for the Post Office, and risks isolating some of the country's most vulnerable - many of whom are still reeling from Labour's callous decision to axe the winter fuel payment and living in uncertainty after a chaotic U-turn.
It is a textbook move from this penny-pinching government which seems to know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.
If Express readers feel as I do, please help us to save the Post Office and make your voice heard on the government's consultation.
Sign the petition here.
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