MPs targeted in bid to halt Royal Mail's part-privatisation

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union seeking support of north-east labour members in opposing business secretary’s plans
MPs targeted in bid to halt Royal Mail’s part-privatisation

By David Perry

Published: 11/03/2009

The postal workers union confirmed last night Labour MPs in the north and north-east are among those it is targeting in an attempt to halt government plans to part-privatise Royal Mail.

Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran, Aberdeen South MP Anne Begg and Stirling MP Anne McGuire face a determined campaign by the Communications Workers Union over the issue if they hold out against signing a Commons motion opposing the policy.

It has so far been signed by more than 140 Labour MPs including Dundee West’s Jim McGovern and Ochil and South Perthshire’s Gordon Banks, with Mr Banks risking disciplinary action as a junior member of the government for failing to toe the line.

The threat to the three MPs emerged as the Lords debated the Bill, with Business and Enterprise Secretary Lord Mandelson attacking the “shrill nature” of opposition to his controversial plans.

He insisted finding a “strategic partner” is necessary to ensure the future of the firm.

Debate over the issue has caused deep divisions within Labour. A spokeswoman at CWU headquarters confirmed the union has circulated its branches with a leaflet identifying MPs like Mr Doran, Miss Begg and Mrs McGuire.

She said it is the union’s policy to consider withdrawing affiliation to Labour and stopping financial support for the party and individual MPs if Royal Mail is part-privatised.

Scottish organiser John Brown said letters have been sent to MPs who have not signed the motion asking for an explanation.

He said the union would give MPs time to reply before deciding what to do.

Mr Doran said: “I am opposed to the privatisation of the Post Office but have not signed the motion. I have explained my position to senior officials of the union and they accept the reasons I have not signed and I am saying no more at this stage.”

Miss Begg, who is on Labour’s national policy-making forum, said: “This is what I would expect a campaigning group to do. There is a lot happening behind the scenes.”