VESA: National Security and Investment Act 2021 : Simon's/Royal Mail's statement page 3 : 8th Sept

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Today 16:34
HOUSE OF COMMONS

The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP LONDON SWIA OAA Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 1 Victoria Street
London SW1H OET

Our Ref: GT53262

10 October 2022

Dear Jacob,

Re: Allegations of secret talks between the Royal Mall Group and VESA Equity
I write to ask you a series of questions about the future of the Royal Mail. The leadership of the Royal Mail appear determined to pursue job losses and avoid offering an inflation proofed pay deal, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis (at the same time as putting in place a new structure for the business, with a new holding company in place,
International Distribution Service). I would welcome an explanation of your understanding of the logic for a such move, which seems determined to alienate the workforce and its representatives and prolong unnecessarily, industrial action.

It has been put to me that secret talks, between the leadership of the Royal Mail Group and Vesa Equity (of whom the latter are hoping, understand to take a significant majority stake) may have helped encourage the unnecessarily confrontational approach being taken by the leadership of Royal Mail during the current dispute.
I further understand (and welcome) that the there is an investigation taking place by your Department into the secret talks Into Vesa Equity's proposed role with Royal Mail.

With regard to this investigation, would be keen to receive your response to the following questions:

1. Can you provide a timescale for this investigation?

2. Will you provide the CWU with the opportunity to give evidence to any investigation?

3. Will you be meeting with Union leaders to discuss in detail their concerns on these issues?

4. What steps will you take to ensure that shareholders are not unduly influenced by VESA Equity, or by the senior leadership of Royal Mail, as part of your review into the ongoing discussions?

5. Could you confirm when and on what basis the Royal Mail Group contacted the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on this issue?

6. Will you be investigating whether Board members of the Royal Mail Group will receive or are due to receive additional benefits if the takeover goes ahead?

7. Will you be updating the House of Commons on the progress of your investigation?

t: 020 7219 4243 (Parliament)

t: 020 8861 6300 (Harrow)

e: gareth thomas.mp@parliament.uk

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