Greens at CWU anti privatisation demo: Central Hall Westminster 24 feb 2009

No.168/09

Ref GS 11.0

Date: 25/02/09

(All Branches)

TO: THE BRANCH SECRETARY

Dear Colleague

Royal Mail Privatisation - "Keep the Post Public". EDM 428 Update

Further to LTB 145/09, on behalf of the National Union, we wish to convey our appreciation to all Branches, activists - their friends and families - CWU staff who took part in the National Rally and Lobby of Parliament.

Thanks also to Jane Loftus, Vice President and Chair of the Postal Executive, who Chaired the Rally.

It should also be noted that our press and media coverage was excellent and particular thanks go to Kevin Slocombe, Head of Communications and the whole of his Department.

Stop Press

During the course of the preparation of this LTB, Lord Mandelson formally
announced the First Reading of the Bill to Privatise Royal Mail. The Bill
will be released to the public at 9.30 a.m. Thursday February 26th. We
understand copies of the Bill will be available from the following weblink
hhtp://www.errr.gob.uk

Hard Copies will be distributed in due course.

Note: By convention the House of Lords does not normally vote to overturn a Government Manifesto Commitment. As this Bill will be a clear breach of the Government's Manifesto commitment endorsed by the British people, voting as a whole, the Union will be seeking legal advice on this matter.

EDM 428
The list currently stands at 153 signatures. On the basis of pledges of support, it is anticipated that EDM 428 will be the third biggest supported EDM on a national question in this current Parliamentary session. (It is now moved from 7th to 5th)