Post Offices: Ministers accused of hypocrisy of anti-closure campaigns

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 28th Feb 2008

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Several cabinet ministers have been accused of "rank hypocrisy" for campaigning to save post offices in their constituencies, despite the Government's decision last year to back the closure policy. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Justice Secretary Jack Straw are among those criticised.

This is breathtaking hypocrisy from ministers. If local campaigns could actually halt the closure post offices then ministers' actions would be understandable. However, the Government has made it perfectly clear that 2,500 post offices must shut. Any post office saved by a protesting minister will just lead to another one up the road being closed instead. The Government should be investing in the network and helping post offices diversify their businesses, as they are a uniquely valuable social asset.