A backlash is growing against the threat of Post Office closures facing nearly 40 branches in London.
MPs raised their concerns in the Commons over the Post Office’s plans to offload up to 115 branches across the country.
Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, warned that closures, which is one possible option, would have a “massive impact on our high streets that are already struggling”.
She told Parliament: “The Kennington Park branch in my constituency is one of those facing possible closure, in addition to the Brixton branch and the Vauxhall Bridge branch, which are bordering my constituency.
“Our Post Offices are the cornerstone for many of our residents, a number of them cannot use online services.”
She called for a full equality impact assessment if the Post Office is to go ahead with the threatened closures, potentially of dozens of branches in the capital.
Post Offices are cornerstones of our local communities, providing vital services and creating jobs for residents.
— Dan Tomlinson MP (@Dan4Barnet) November 15, 2024
I encourage all constituents to make their voices heard and sign the petition to save Barnet Post Office, launched in collaboration with our local Councillors… https://t.co/qQNm1Zn9wf
Chipping Barnet Labour MP Dan Tomlinson tweeted: “Post Offices are cornerstones of our local communities, providing vital services and creating jobs for residents.
“I encourage all constituents to make their voices heard and sign the petition to save Barnet Post Office.”
Cities of London and Westminster Labour MP Rachel Blake messaged: “Nine local post offices are at risk in a strategic review.
“They provide vital services to residents and businesses.
“I urge the Post Office to make sure we don’t lose access to banking, cash and other useful services.”
Post Office branches under threat in London include ones in Aldwych, Baker Street, Barnet, Brixton, Clapham Common, Croydon High Street, East Dulwich, Golders Green, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Kilburn, Knightsbridge, Lower Edmonton, Northolt, Raynes Park, Southall, Stamford Hill and Wealdstone.
Commons Leader Lucy Powell said Labour inherited a Post Office that is “not fit for purpose” and the organisation needs a “serious culture change”.
The Post Office is seeking to offload around 115 directly-owned branches within its 11,500-strong network, which could see them transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed.
Around 1,000 workers are employed across the branches, while the Post Office also confirmed that hundreds of further roles are under threat at its headquarters as it looks to streamline back office operations.
The 115 branches put at risk are Crown Post Offices located in city or town centres and staffed by Post Office employees.
Post Office chairman Nigel Railton said the shake-up will also offer a “new deal for postmasters” by increasing their share of revenue and giving them a greater say in the running of the business as it looks to move on from the Horizon IT scandal that saw hundreds of subpostmasters wrongfully convicted.
But CWU general secretary Dave Ward has said: “For the company to announce the closure of hundreds of Post Offices hot on the heels of the Horizon scandal is as tone deaf as it is immoral.”
