Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas emphasized the need for a fresh vision for the Post Office, which has a grim past and poor commercial track record. He stated that a 12-week consultation seeks to start an honest conversation about the needs and desires of the public regarding future services and ownership structures, including the possibility of mutualisation, as the organization aims to improve its culture post-scandal.
"We gathered them up to the best of our ability, trying to save them all, but as they were pretty badly mangled and terribly dirty, it was decided to destroy."
Petitions were launched by Barnet's Labour Group to save both the Chipping Barnet branch and Golders Green post office. In an update on the Barnet petition, which has grown from 351 to 2,585 signatures.
The Post Office is at a significant crossroads, considering the potential closure of more than 100 branches across the UK amid efforts to increase postmaster pay by £250 million over five years.
Labour Councillor Jo van den Broek expressed concerns about the selling of alcohol at the Post Office, stating that the area is already an 'absolute hotspot for antisocial behaviour,' especially on match days.