15 April 2008 - The Green Party is the only political party opposing an EU Directive that will lead to more Post Offices being closed down.
At present a 'Postal Services Directive' is making its way through the EU legislative process that seeks to commercialise postal services. Labour, Lib Dem and Tory MEPs have all voted for it. The Directive will lead to Post Office closures because it prevents governments subsidising any that are a public service but not making much money. The only political party whose Euro-MPs have voted against this Directive is the Green Party.
Councillor Adrian Ramsay, Parliamentary candidate for Norwich South, said: "It is unfortunate that the other parties, though locally they say they are against Post Office closures, have national and international policies that point in precisely the opposite direction. It is MPs and MEPs from the three old parties who are taking the very actions that are making post office closures in Norwich more likely."
On Friday 11 April, Charles Clarke MP was quoted in the Evening News as saying: "I strongly support the campaigns against the closures of Vauxhall Street and Rosary Road [Post Offices]." Greens are saying that this remark contrasts with his actual voting record in Parliament.
Said Councillor Rupert Read, Green MEP-candidate for Eastern Region: "Charles Clarke's record proves that he is not against the closure of post offices. It is extremely unfortunate that Mr Clarke is misleading the public about his stance on Post Offices for the sake of local popularity at election time."
Councillor Read continued: "The only Party that can be trusted not to close Norwich Post Offices is the Green Party. Because we actually believe in local services. And the record of our MEPs on this shows the difference between us and other parties, in this crucial respect."
Charles Clarke's voting record on Post Offices can be viewed here.