SIR – It is very clear that the Government is operating a hidden agenda behind the postal strike. It is fascinating that the minister in charge, but showing no interest in resolving the problem, is Lord Mandelson.

Until very recently Lord Mandelson was an EU Commissioner. It has been EU directives on introducing postal competition and ending subsidies to the Post Office network that have brought the Royal Mail to its present sad state. It is also interesting that it is Lord Mandelson who wants to part privatise the Royal Mail and who talked to TNT, a Dutch organisation, and DHL, a German company, about their possible interest in the Royal Mail.

In other words it is easy to see who benefits from the stand off between the union and the Royal Mail.

Mark Starr
Leigh Sinton