Edinburgh City Council votes to condemn Labour UK Government over Post Office Closures

9.34.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st May 2008

At its meeting today Edinburgh City Council voted 43-15 to "condemn the Labour UK Government for its decision to close 2500 Post Offices" across the UK which will mean 15 closures in Edinburgh. Sadly the Labour party were the only party to vote against this and instead they voted to "note that the post office closures cannot be prevented."

Councillor Conor Snowden, who spoke in support of the motion on behalf of the Lib Dem led administration said, "Whilst we must work with Royal Mail to minimise the impact of closures on those who we represent, the Council has put the the blame for Post Office Closures firmly with the Labour UK Government in London. We must campaign to stop these closures and get the Labour Government to reverse its decision."

The Liberal Democrat team in Edinburgh South is preparing to defend local post offices selected for closure when Royal Mail announces their plans on 19 August. Westminster Spokesperson Fred Mackintosh said, "On the doorsteps this is a big issue for voters. All the evidence is that Labour are intent on destroying an important community service and this vote in the council just confirms that impression."

Related Link:

Read the Liberal Democrat plans to protect the Post Office network.