Letter: Mail hypocrisy

Coalition government proposals to press ahead with Royal Mail privatisation will hit rural areas hardest (your report, 11 September). Even part-privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail.

Vince Cable's plan highlights the hypocrisy of the Liberal Democrats in the north of Scotland, for example campaigning to protect postal services before the election and now, in government, rushing to implement policies that will have a hugely damaging impact on rural Scotland.

Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company as it provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.

ALEX ORR

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh