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28th September 2009

Concern Over Forces PO Threat

Local Conservative candidate Alex Johnstone MSP has hit out at Government plans to axe British Forces Post Offices at military bases in Europe, a move which could see hundreds of local families feeling a little more distant from relatives serving in the armed forces.

Mr Johnstone explained "The British Forces Post Office (BFPO), was founded over two hundred years ago, and means that forces personnel serving overseas and their families at home, can send and receive mail for the same cost as sending a letter or parcel in the UK."

"We should not underestimate the impact that this will have on our troops. For example, many banks and lenders, including Marks & Spencer, refuse to send bank or credit card statements to addresses outside the UK unless they are BFPO."

Mr Johnstone continued "Even small luxuries such as magazine subscriptions will now cost considerably more as an overseas postal rate will be charged."

"The BFPO has provided a safe and secure means for our personnel, their spouses and children, to keep in touch with friends and family at home, and I deplore the fact that this service is now under threat."

Mr Johnstone concluded "Some of our troops can earn less than a traffic warden, face poor housing conditions and can spend long periods away from home.  To force them to pay higher prices to keep in touch with their families on top of this is nothing short of scandalous."