Post script

In response to claims that privatisation could wreck our postal service (your report, 22 April), I wanted to point out that in 2011, parliament passed the Postal Services Act, which set a framework for private investment in Royal Mail.

Private investment will still allow Royal Mail to continue 
to deliver a six-days-a-week 
service at a uniform price across the country.

Royal Mail has an opportunity to grow. While we all now send fewer letters, the growth in online retailing has meant an increase in the number of parcels.

We are in a strong position to meet this demand. We already have the largest UK delivery
network and we are one of the most trusted companies in the UK. But we need to make significant investment to stay ahead of the competition. The UK government’s financial position means that this investment must come from the private sector.

Private investment will allow Royal Mail to grow our parcels business. This in turn will help us to continue to deliver the 
universal service.

The act sets out very clearly the requirements. They will 
continue to apply after any sale. These include a uniform, affordable tariff for postal services across the UK – including rural and 
remote areas – as well as six-days-a-week collection and delivery.

Royal Mail has among the highest service specifications of any major European country. These would also apply were Royal Mail to be sold.

The finances of Royal Mail have been transformed in
recent years. We now make a good profit. That matters.

It enables us to continue to provide a high quality rural postal service. There is a brighter future for Royal Mail and we are ready to deliver it.

Paul Kelly

Royal Mail

Cultins Road

Edinburgh