BURY North MP David Nuttall has defended his support for the possible privatisation of the Royal Mail.

His comments come after Bury postal workers and their families expressed dismay at the MP’s stance, claiming it could lead to the Royal Mail being sold to an overseas company.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents postal workers, argues that privatisation is not necessary.

Carl Webb, CWU North West regional secretary, said: “We believe privatisation will lead to post office closures, less frequent deliveries and price hikes as the company comes under pressure from shareholders to increase profits.

“There are more cost effective options to improve Britain’s postal industry but this Government and Mr Nuttall are playing politics with a much-loved national institution. I am confident that the residents of Bury will be appalled that Mr Nuttall is supporting the privatisation of the Royal Mail which will no doubt lead to job losses and a worsening of services in Bury. I call on all residents to show your support for your posties and tell Mr Nuttall that he should vote against any attempt to sell off Royal Mail.”

Mr Nuttall told the Bury Times: “Without urgent modernisation both the Royal Mail and the post office network will continue to decline and contract. Whilst I fully appreciate the concerns of workers in the postal services industry, I welcome the fact that the Government is taking decisive action to bring private investment into the Royal Mail and protect our post offices. I think most people will realise that as the use of e-mail increases, the business model of Royal Mail needs urgent review.”

The MP said the Royal Mail’s service level had been reduced, given the removal of the second delivery and the decline in post office numbers.

Mr Nuttall added: “Reform is absolutely essential to reverse these years of decline. Under the Government plans the universal postal service should be kept. An injection of private capital into Royal Mail will end the dependence on funding from the taxpayer.

“Without urgent modernisation both the Royal Mail and the post office network will continue to decline and contract.”