Contributions
312 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI pay tribute to Timmy and thank him for his years of service. It is exactly because this service is full of people like him who are passionate about their jobs that we need to…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationUnfortunately, the story that the hon. Lady tells is familiar, because I have heard it from so many hon. Members around the Chamber. As I say, we have been bringing together…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationThat is a very fair question. As I mentioned, the Secretary of State brought together the ownership and management to stress the need to get an agreement on reforms to improve…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationMy hon. Friend makes an important point, although I notice that everything seems to be the best in her constituency. The problem is not just missed post, but missed opportunities,…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationThe hon. Lady has previously pressed me on another aspect of postal services—the availability of post offices in her constituency—and she continues to campaign for her…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationMy hon. Friend shows passion and anger, which he has also shown to me in private when raising these issues. Again, that speaks to how frustrating it is for us as Members of…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationThe hon. Gentleman raises an important point that is core to the talks that are going on right now between unions and management. That is exactly why we are so keen to ensure that…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationAs I said a moment ago, when the new ownership took over, part of the deed of undertaking was that we would not allow it to remove value from the company until service improved.…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationThe hon. Gentleman could be mistaken for a CWU trade union official. He will be crossing the Floor. He makes an important and serious point: issues around staff conditions are…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationWhenever hon. Members raise local delivery issues with me, I raise them directly with Royal Mail officials. I will certainly do so for his area because his constituents deserve a…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI have relatives in the most remote parts of Scotland, so I know that while these issues might be an inconvenience for the rest of us, for rural customers, they can be the…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationWe rely on Ofcom as the regulator of Royal Mail, which is exactly why we are having a meeting later today to discuss what more it can do to deal with the widespread concerns that…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI will certainly talk to the regulator later today in those terms, and will ask that question. As I say, the business is regulated through Ofcom, but where the Government have…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationThe hon. Lady’s constituents in Chichester deserve better, frankly. That is why it is so important that the Government send a clear message that we expect improvement. It is why I…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI will raise the issues at Banbridge sorting office directly with Royal Mail. In addition to my work with the Department of Health, I will ensure that we are having that…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationMy hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out that the situation is a result of long-standing structural issues in Royal Mail, and with postal services more generally. My focus…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI think the hon. Gentleman can tell from the comments around the House how much respect and affection there is for posties around the country, and I am disturbed by what he…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI reassure my hon. Friend’s constituents that his efforts to transmit their dissatisfaction have been heard at the highest level. If there is a prize for dark irony, I think he…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI thank the posties in Croydon for their efforts; they do an extraordinary job. My hon. Friend hits the nail on the head. We sometimes might have lower standards for other…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI hope that the hon. Member can tell from my body language and tone that I share the anger and frustration of Members across the House. As I mentioned, I am meeting Ofcom later…11 Mar 2026