Andrew George MP calls for action over Royal Mail failures and OFCOM “regulatory shortcomings” 

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for West Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, has tabled a Parliamentary Motion calling for urgent action to tackle Royal Mail’s continuing failure to deliver a reliable postal service and what he describes as OFCOM’s ineffective regulation of the company. 

The motion highlights the serious consequences of poor postal performance for residents and businesses, including missed medical appointments, delayed court correspondence, fines resulting from undelivered bills, and other significant disruptions to daily life. 

Andrew George MP said: 

“People across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly regularly contact me about delays and failures in postal deliveries. For many, this is far more than an inconvenience. Missed medical appointments, delayed legal documents and unpaid bills can have serious consequences for individuals, families and businesses. 

“Despite repeated fines from OFCOM, including a £21 million penalty this year, Royal Mail continues to miss key delivery targets. This points to deeper structural problems which are not being adequately addressed. 

“These failures are not the fault of hard-working frontline postal workers, who are doing their best under increasing pressure. Instead, there are serious concerns about an over-centralised management structure and owners who have prioritised profit over public service. 

“The Government must ensure OFCOM uses the full extent of its enforcement powers and that Royal Mail takes immediate action to restore reliability, improve staffing levels and protect the Universal Service Obligation. Communities depend on the postal service and deserve far better.” 

Andrew’s motion (EDM544) calls on the Government to intervene to ensure Royal Mail meets its operational targets, that OFCOM strengthens its regulatory oversight, and that the Universal Service Obligation remains fully protected.