Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, has backed the Save our Royal Mail campaign following a recent visit to the Gosforth Delivery Office.

Catherine was invited to tour the facilities off Jubilee Road in Gosforth before going out on a delivery round in Fawdon with local postman, George Morgan.  During her visit, she heard about the complex mail sorting process as well as the challenges facing postmen and women in delivering mail to every home and business across the city, six days a week, in all weathers.

Catherine said:

‘My recent visit to the Gosforth Delivery Office provided a real insight into the volume of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure we receive our mail every day, and I heard from many local postmen how challenging – and sometimes downright dangerous – their job can be.  It was a real pleasure to join George on his delivery round in Fawdon, as he clearly took great pride in his work.

‘That’s why the Coalition’s privatisation plans are so concerning, and it’s particularly important to ensure that the future of local delivery offices such as Gosforth is guaranteed by Royal Mail given the excellent source of local employment they currently provide.

‘The Government is intent on selling off a precious national institution – against the wishes of the general public – that is currently making a good profit for the taxpayer.  We should be backing Royal Mail, and the universal service it provides, not conducting an unnecessary and rushed firesale.’