The imminent closure of the Clapham Common Post Office branch, set for March 6th, has sparked significant opposition, with over 1400 responses to the consultation and a petition delivered to Downing Street. Despite this, the Post Office confirmed the closure, leading to public disappointment and parliamentary concerns being raised. In a related issue, subpostmasters have faced wrongful prosecution and conviction for fraud, while the government has been criticized for not recovering a substantial amount of the Covid-19 fraud, estimated to reach £16bn. Subpostmasters have been offered only 15% of their total claims, prompting calls for the government to ensure fair treatment and justice. A demonstration is planned for February 10th to protest the Clapham Post Office closure, which is seen as a valuable community hub. Additionally, a petition has been delivered to oppose the closure of the Southall Crown Post Office, with local MP Virendra Sharma joining campaigners, emphasizing the importance of the branch to the community.
Virendra Sharma MP part of delegation to deliver petition to 10 Downing Street. To stop the closure of Southall Crown Post Office. A constituent said “If Southall loses its Crown in the high street, we will be a desert for postal services” https://t.co/DS1WJP4rkq
I joined @CWUnews members and local campaigners in delivering a petition to @Number10press opposing the closure of Southall @PostOffice - it is vital for the community and makes no sense #PostOffice https://t.co/uhsSxUoNsj
We are v disappointed by the shameful decision of the @PostOffice to close the #Clapham Post office on Friday March 6th. In response, we are holding a demo on Saturday February 10th to send a clear message and stand in support of this valuable local community hub. Join us!🪧 https://t.co/z5fCDyF6EP
'When are these decent people, whose lives have been ruined through no fault of their own, going to get the justice they deserve?' ✍️ Jan Moir on the victims of the Post Office scandal
Disgraceful My constituents Chris Head has also only been offered 15% of the total claim. The Govt must stop allowing post office to dispute these obviously fair claims. Subpostmasters need justice and they need it now. https://t.co/QFmlZr2vWP
Innocent subpostmasters have been wrongly prosecuted & convicted of fraud, yet Covid-19 fraud could reach £16bn & we haven’t recovered a fraction of what was stolen. I asked the Minister why the guilty have profited from their Covid crime while the innocent were left to rot. https://t.co/Xeziyq4Q3w
I am deeply disappointed that the Post Office have confirmed the Clapham Common branch will close. This is despite huge opposition - over 1400 responses to the consultation & a petition to Downing St. I raised concerns about this process in Parliament. #SaveClaphamPostOffice https://t.co/iDIfLB7g6Z