Motherwell & Wishaw SNP MP Marion Fellows campaigns to secure a better future for local Post Offices

MP Marion Fellows was first elected as an MP in 2015 and was re-elected in 2017 and 2019

Ever since ITV’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office aired, Britain’s Post Office network has been thrust into the public spotlight. The drama has had a monumental impact on the public consciousness in Britain, bringing the Horizon scandal, and the management of Post Office Limited, into front rooms across the nation.

But even before the scandal broke, the Post Office network was in disarray. A lack of services, cuts in renumeration, and, most significantly, Post Office closures, have all contributed to a lack of confidence in the network’s role moving forward.

For years Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows has been campaigning to secure a better future for the Post Office network. Many of her constituents rely on Post Offices to get by – and many have been feeling the pinch as Post Offices close in her constituency.

In fact, 44%, almost half of the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency Post Offices, have recently closed. This means extra travel for vulnerable and elderly people who need to access the essential services provided.

While Ms Fellows received critical acclaim for her years-long efforts of fighting for justice for victims impacted by the Post Office scandal, she has also spearheaded campaigns to create a more sustainable future of the Post Office network.

Marion stopping by a Post Office in Law, South Lanarkshire. Almost half of the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency Post Offices have recently closed

Ms Fellows, commenting on the numerous Post Office closures in her constituency and building a network for the future, said: “Post Offices are vital in providing access to cash and face to face services for elderly people, people with a disability or those who have no online access. We have seen unprecedented financial pressures on sub-post offices through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.

“In my constituency, Post Offices have closed in Motherwell and Coltness, with others under threat, causing stress and anxiety to those who rely on their services.

“The Post Office network needs the UK government to support the 50,000 equivalent full-time jobs they maintain. They provide a vital community hub for our high streets in these trying economic times.

“Latest research shows the use of cash has actually increased, which may be a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Post offices provide this, and the UK government should be supporting that, not undermining it.

“Protecting our valued public services like the Post Office network from the managed decline and privatisation of profit has been a key priority of mine. The Post Office network is at a crisis point and in a very precarious position. As banks leave our high streets and ATMs begin charging fees, people – especially vulnerable people – must have free access to cash. Post Offices can become banking and service hubs so they can remain core to our communities.

“I urge everyone to join me in the fight for the preservation and development of local Post Offices, and the Post Office network more broadly.”

To find out more about the work of Marion Fellows MP click here