A wave of opposition is building against plans to shut nearly 40 Post Office branches in London, as MPs and community leaders voice concerns over the impact on local communities.
The Post Office’s proposal to offload up to 115 branches nationwide has sparked a heated debate in Parliament.
Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall, warned that potential closures would have a “massive impact” on already struggling high streets.
MPs Sound the Alarm
Speaking in the Commons, Eshalomi highlighted the importance of Post Offices to residents who rely on in-person services:
“The Kennington Park branch in my constituency is one of those facing possible closure, alongside Brixton and Vauxhall Bridge branches. Our Post Offices are the cornerstone for many of our residents, a number of them cannot use online services.”
Eshalomi called for a comprehensive equality impact assessment before any closures proceed, urging the Post Office to consider the effects on vulnerable populations.
Dan Tomlinson, Labour MP for Chipping Barnet, echoed these concerns, tweeting:
“Post Offices are cornerstones of our local communities, providing vital services and creating jobs. I encourage all constituents to sign the petition to save Barnet Post Office.”
Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster, raised alarm over nine branches in her area under threat:
“They provide vital services to residents and businesses. I urge the Post Office to ensure we don’t lose access to banking, cash, and other essential services.”
Key Branches at Risk
Post Offices at risk in London include branches in Aldwych, Baker Street, Barnet, Brixton, Clapham Common, Croydon High Street, East Dulwich, Golders Green, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Kilburn, Knightsbridge, Lower Edmonton, Northolt, Raynes Park, Southall, Stamford Hill, and Wealdstone.
Post Office Shake-Up
The Post Office plans to transfer the affected 115 branches—known as Crown Post Offices, typically located in urban centres and staffed by Post Office employees—to retail partners or independent postmasters. If unsuccessful, closures may follow.
Around 1,000 employees work at these branches, with additional roles at the Post Office headquarters also under threat as part of broader efforts to streamline operations.
Post Office chairman Nigel Railton defended the strategy, claiming it would offer a “new deal for postmasters” by increasing their share of revenue and giving them greater operational control.
The reforms aim to rebuild trust after the Horizon IT scandal, which saw hundreds of subpostmasters wrongfully convicted.
However, Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), condemned the timing of the closures:
“For the company to announce the closure of hundreds of Post Offices hot on the heels of the Horizon scandal is as tone deaf as it is immoral.”
Calls for Change
Commons Leader Lucy Powell criticised the current state of the Post Office, calling for a “serious culture change” to make the organisation fit for purpose.
With community campaigns, petitions, and parliamentary debates underway, the fight to preserve London’s Post Offices is intensifying, highlighting the critical role these branches play in local life.
