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10/01/2011
Queen 'Won't Loose Her Head' Over Stamps
The Government has confirmed that it will include an extra safeguard in its Postal Services Bill. The move will ensure that the Queen's head remains on UK stamps regardless of who owns the company in the future.
This week the Government will bring forward an amendment to its legislation to give Ministers the power to require an image of the Queen to appear on postage stamps.
The previous Government's Bill, which was withdrawn in 2009, did not include any measures to make the current voluntary arrangements for putting the Queen’s image on stamps a matter of law. But since the new Government began developing its plans it has been considering what additional protections might be required.
After listening to the views of members of both Houses of Parliament and proactively raising the matter with the Palace the Government has decided to build in this new safeguard.
Minister for Postal Affairs Edward Davey said: "At the moment there is no legal requirement for stamps to use the Queen's head - Royal Mail has always done this voluntarily by convention as they are extremely proud of their Royal connection.
"I can't see any reason why any future owner would want to change this as it’s a very valuable and prestigious tradition. So our amendment is really a failsafe and I would be astounded if the power ever needs to be used.
"Ever since we began developing our Postal Services Bill we have been very mindful about the importance of respecting and protecting the Royal associations and have had regular discussions with Buckingham Palace.
“At the outset we agreed a measure to ensure that the Sovereign continues to approve the designs of any stamps that bear her image.
"We have always been aware that the Bill did not contain a specific clause to require all stamps to bear the Queen's image, turning established practice and tradition into a legal requirement - as a principle we do not legislate without very careful consideration of whether it is entirely necessary.
"But, after listening to the views of members of both Houses of Parliament and raising the matter with the Palace, we have now agreed this additional safeguard. I'm sure it will provide everyone with extra reassurance."
The Government's Postal Services Bill will have its final stages in the House of Commons on Wednesday 12 January, before being considered by the House of Lords.
(BMcN)
This week the Government will bring forward an amendment to its legislation to give Ministers the power to require an image of the Queen to appear on postage stamps.
The previous Government's Bill, which was withdrawn in 2009, did not include any measures to make the current voluntary arrangements for putting the Queen’s image on stamps a matter of law. But since the new Government began developing its plans it has been considering what additional protections might be required.
After listening to the views of members of both Houses of Parliament and proactively raising the matter with the Palace the Government has decided to build in this new safeguard.
Minister for Postal Affairs Edward Davey said: "At the moment there is no legal requirement for stamps to use the Queen's head - Royal Mail has always done this voluntarily by convention as they are extremely proud of their Royal connection.
"I can't see any reason why any future owner would want to change this as it’s a very valuable and prestigious tradition. So our amendment is really a failsafe and I would be astounded if the power ever needs to be used.
"Ever since we began developing our Postal Services Bill we have been very mindful about the importance of respecting and protecting the Royal associations and have had regular discussions with Buckingham Palace.
“At the outset we agreed a measure to ensure that the Sovereign continues to approve the designs of any stamps that bear her image.
"We have always been aware that the Bill did not contain a specific clause to require all stamps to bear the Queen's image, turning established practice and tradition into a legal requirement - as a principle we do not legislate without very careful consideration of whether it is entirely necessary.
"But, after listening to the views of members of both Houses of Parliament and raising the matter with the Palace, we have now agreed this additional safeguard. I'm sure it will provide everyone with extra reassurance."
The Government's Postal Services Bill will have its final stages in the House of Commons on Wednesday 12 January, before being considered by the House of Lords.
(BMcN)
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Royal Mail criticises regulator’s proposals
Royal Mail has criticised proposals drawn up by industry regulator Postcomm, claiming they would lead to the “inexorable decline” of the postal operator. Postcomm has recommended price caps on the cost of stamps, meaning that first-class stamps could rise to no more than 34p and second-class stamps to no more than 23p by 2010.
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