Two years ago, Richard Hooper wrote a report on Royal Mail which recommended part-privatising the service, among other measures. And today, with the official update to that report, we learn that his views have barely changed at
all. If anything is different between then and now, it’s that the need to modernise Royal Mail has become even more urgent. The number of letters they’re sending has plummeted by more than
forecast, and their pensions deficit has become even more unsustainable. The rot has quickened – and, yes, it’s up to the government to combat it.
For their part, the coalition are using Hooper’s update to stress just how crucial privatisation is for Royal Mail. And, predictably, the Communications Workers Union is responding with the same brand of venom which discouraged Peter Mandelson from acting when he was in charge at the Business department.
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