Straw hits back at post office 'hypocrisy' claim

4:34pm Thursday 28th February 2008

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BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has hit back after being branded a hypocrite for opposing the closure of a post office.

Conservatives slammed the Justice Minister and cabinet colleagues who are fighting plans to shut branches in their constituency.

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But Mr Straw has told the Lancashire Telegraph the claims are "ludicrous", while admitting he backs the general policy of closure.

On Friday he attended a meeting with protesters at the Preston New Road post office, where campaigners have collected 1,200 signatures and a bundle of letters opposing plans to close it.

He said he backed the calls of residents and the Lancashire Telegraph Save Our Post Offices campaign to save the branch.

But the move has led to claims of "rank hypocrisy" by Tory opponents.

Other cabinet members reported to be fighting closures include Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Chief Whip Geoff Hoon.

Responding, Mr Straw said he understood changes to the network were necessary because of the internet and changes to people's shopping habits.

In most cases people accepted there was "some inevitability" about the closures, he said.

He added: "In this particular case I thought there was a strong case.

"I have said repeatedly that my first job is to represent my constituency.

"I am arguing in a particular case that the closure isn't justified.

"It's absurd to argue that because I support the overall policy that every decision within that policy is a correct one."

Across the area, 24 offices face the axe after a six-week consultation which began on January 21, as the Post Office tries to reduce its £4 million-a-week losses.

Mr Straw hit back at claims ministers' actions were "Nimbyism" - which refers to "not in my back yard" protestors.

He added: "I am not surprised. It smacks of desperation.

"They haven't got anything better to do than complain about MPs doing their job."