PM braced for Labour rebellion over Royal Mail sell-off

Published on Tuesday 24 February 2009 00:48

THE government faced anger from Labour MPs and union leaders last night after it was revealed that a bill to sell off part of the Royal Mail is to be introduced on Thursday.

Gordon Brown will now have to tackle the biggest back-bench revolt since he became Prime Minister, as well as opposition from postal workers and the prospect of a major union disaffiliating from the Labour Party in protest.

Hundreds of postal workers will join a protest today against the plans to part- privatise the Royal Mail. Members of the Communication Workers Union from across the UK will travel to London for a rally, before lobbying MPs.

A Commons motion opposing the sell-off has been signed by 139 Labour MPs.

Billy Hayes, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, said: "There is no support in parliament or from the public for privatisation of Royal Mail. This is the wrong move by the government."

The CWU gives around 1 million a year to Labour, as well as practical help such as supporting the party during elections.

An early day motion submitted by the Labour MP Geraldine Smith "rejects" the recommendation of the Hooper Report to sell a minority stake in Royal Mail, warning it risked fracturing one of Britain's "greatest public services".

Labour MP John McDonnell said: "This flies in the face of the manifesto commitment.

Labour Party members and trade unionists are angry at what will be interpreted by postal workers as a complete betrayal. This is a privatisation beyond what even Thatcher proposed."