Government scrapes vote on closure of post offices
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government's majority was reduced to 20 votes last night when 19 Labour rebels joined the Tories and Liberal Democrats in voting against post office closures.
Ministers faced fury over the planned closure of 2,500 offices, despite opening the way for local authorities to help rescue some of those facing the axe.
Alan Duncan, the Tories' business spokesman, accused postal managers of "ramming" through the cuts. He urged the Government to suspend closures "to give hope to hard-working postmasters whose enterprise, hard work and service to their community deserves better than they are getting from the Government".
But Tory leader David Cameron failed to vote on his own motion attacking the closures, which could be used by ministers to embarrass the Opposition.
The Business Secretary, John Hutton, said technology and consumer behaviour had changed the role of local post offices.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments