NFSP rally and lobby of Parliament to highlight growing concerns over the future of the post office network and to press the Government to act to ensure its long-term future

Who did we need to speak to?
• Government ministers, members of Parliament, local and national media

What was the story?
• Thousands of subpostmasters came to London from across the country to lobby their MPs, to highlight the important social and economic role the network plays and call on the Government to set out its plans for the future of the network, such as future funding and access to services.

How was it told?
• A rally addressed by the post office minister Jim Fitzpatrick and shadow front bench spokesmen Charles Hendry and Ed Davey; representatives from RNIB, Help the Aged, Age Concern, Postwatch, and the Women’s Institute amongst others
• Largest ever domestic petition delivered to No 10 Downing Street, with over 4 million signatures
• Meetings on the day with the Prime Minister, David Cameron and Ming Campbell
• Issue debated in the House of Lords and raised by Leader of the Opposition at Prime Minister’s Question Time

Result: Massive media coverage of event both broadcast and print. The Government agreed to undertake a review of the network and published its proposals for public consultation at the end of 2006, which include plans to renew Government funding and retain key services.

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