VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 31 July 2024UIN 1270

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with (a) Royal Mail and (b) prospective buyers for Royal Mail on retaining the universal service obligation.

Answered by Justin Madders

The Secretary of State and I have met with Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, and the EP Group to discuss the proposed takeover of IDS.

The universal service obligation is a legally binding commitment on the designated universal service provider and its ongoing provision would be required irrespective of ownership of the business.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim