Stuart Anderson MP has stepped up his campaign against government proposals which could see up to five thousand local post offices across the country close for good.
More than 165,000 people have signed a petition organised by the Conservative Party opposing the plans. This includes 872 residents in South Shropshire, which is home to 38 individual branches.
An open-ended consultation, which closed on 6th October 2025, could remove the current mandate to maintain a minimum of 11,500 Post Office branches.
The minimum branch requirements were introduced by the coalition Government in 2010, following thousands of cuts to the network under the Labour government of 1997-2010.
The last labour government cut the number of post offices by 38%. 7,166 post offices closed between 1997 and 2010 - equivalent to more than one every day.
Under the Conservatives, by contrast, the number of Post Offices had remained constant. In 2010, there was 11,905 post offices compared to 11,618.
As part of his campaign, Stuart cautioned the government against any measures that put the future of the branches nationwide at risk.
Changes could also remove the three-mile radius within which services must be to residents as well as the closure of outreach services, which make up 14% of the total network.
Shadow Business Minister Harriett Baldwin said that the proposals would put vital services for vulnerable people at risk especially pensioners, rural communities, and small businesses who rely on them most.
As a result, the consultation could see up to up to half of Britain's Post Offices close. This means that 19 individual branches could close in South Shropshire, as the government reviews the Post Office subsidy.
Nearly half of Britain's post offices do not currently make a profit, after being hit by recent tax hikes - including the doubling of business rates.
The Post Office and its branches, which employ around 50,000 workers, face a £45 million bill from the National Insurance Jobs Tax.
This is despite the government's commitment to "strengthen the Post Office Network", outlined in its manifesto at the General Election in July 2024.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Post Office services available at branches like Acton Burnell, Alveley, Aston on Clun, and Bishop's Castle play a central role in keeping our rural communities connected. So, I am appalled that the government is still considering closing up to half of our post offices, reducing the three-mile radius, and cutting the availability of outreach services. Almost a thousand residents in South Shropshire have already signed the Conservatives' petition against these savage cuts, which would impact rural communities like ours most. With access to cash and everyday banking services becoming more difficult, it is vital that we protect our rural post offices which enable residents to still access these vital services."
Harriett Baldwin , Shadow Post Office Minister, added:
“Post Offices are far more than a place to send letters. They offer key services for local businesses, help those not online access government services and help to keep our high streets alive. That is why the Conservatives and 165,000 people from across Britain are standing up to Labour by objecting to the branch closures they are considering which could see 5,000 post offices lost. Only the Conservatives have a leader with a backbone and the strong team needed to stand up for our high streets and build stronger local economies.”
