Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation Debate

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Department: Department for Business and Trade

Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation

Tom Hayes Excerpts
Wednesday 11th March 2026

(1 day, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Blair McDougall Portrait Blair McDougall
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In a previous life, I was very proud to have worked on the Tell Us Once service at its inception, and I know how important that service is to people at the worst possible time of their life. I will certainly raise the issue that my hon. Friend has highlighted.

Tom Hayes Portrait Tom Hayes (Bournemouth East) (Lab)
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As the Labour Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, I stand by my posties here in the House of Commons and thank them for their dedication and diligence, which stands in sharp contrast to the management of the Royal Mail. The trial that is under way has failed, and the new approach will spectacularly fail if it is put into effect. When the Minister meets Ofcom later, and when he meets the Royal Mail, will he say that he will not stand for the Royal Mail becoming yet another gig economy parcel courier that exploits its employees and lets down customers?

Blair McDougall Portrait Blair McDougall
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This is a Government who are improving the working conditions, standards and rights of workers across the economy. My hon. Friend makes the important point that there is wisdom and experience within the workforce. The talks that are going on at the moment are about bringing that together with the ambition and responsibilities of the management, which is why we are taking the actions we are.