Lib Dems slam local MP's failure to vote against Post Office closures

3.59.00pm GMT Thu 20th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Holborn and St Pancras Jo Shaw today attacked Labour MP Frank Dobson for supporting Post Office closures.

Yesterday in Parliament, Mr Dobson sided with the Labour government to vote down a motion calling on the Post Office to suspend the current closure programme. Jo said:

"I think our MP is supposed to stand up for our local community. Last night Mr Dobson supported the Labour government against the interests of local people. It is shocking that he has voted with the government on this issue.

"Local people are very angry that after having his picture taken with protesters outside Crowndale Road Post Office, Mr Dobson then supported the closures. What was he thinking?"

The Liberal Democrats have been campaigning across Camden against the closures. Post offices in Highgate High Street, Englands Lane, South End Green and Somers Town are affected by the government's closure plans. The Post Office is consulting on the closures for only six weeks, instead of the usual twelve week period.

Jo said: "There were 4,000 closures under the last Conservative government, and another 3,500 under Labour. In Camden we have lost 5 post offices in the last eight years alone. Now four more are under threat. This is another Labour let down for our area."

Hampstead and Highgate Labour MP Glenda Jackson also failed to oppose the motion in Parliament. She abstained from the vote.