Labour's Betrayal Of Post Offices Will Be Punished - Davey

5.58.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Oct 2006

Commenting after today's rally calling for rural post offices to be saved, Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Edward Davey MP, who spoke at the event, said: "Labour have failed the post offices, taking away business and allowing closures on a massive scale.

"The Post Office network can be saved but it will require more business opportunities and serious investment. The Liberal Democrats are the only party to propose a viable long-term solution.

"The Liberal Democrats' Opposition Day debate on Monday in support of the Post Office and Royal Mail networks highlighted this important issue and today's events emphasise that this is a campaign that enjoys huge support across the country."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

All Post Office Closures from March to March 2005 to 2006 - regional breakdown

NE England 4

NW England 19

Yorkshire & the Humber 18

West Midlands 14

SW England 17

SE England 45

London 14

East of England 29

East Midlands 20

Northern Ireland 8

Scotland 18

Wales 27

TOTAL 233

Source: Page 110 of Postcomm report: http://www.psc.gov.uk/postcomm/live/news-and-events/news-releases/2006/government-must-decide-quickly-the-future-of-a-post-office-network-that-is-at-the-crossroads/Postcomm06_Final_for_Website.pdf>

Other information, including a rural/urban breakdown, can be found from p110 onwards of the Postcomm report at

http://www.psc.gov.uk/postcomm/live/news-and-events/news-releases/2006/government-must-decide-quickly-the-future-of-a-post-office-network-that-is-at-the-crossroads/Postcomm06_Final_for_Website.pdf>