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Alex Salmond wants Royal Mail privatisation put on hold until independence vote

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Plans to privatise the Royal Mail should be put on hold until after the Scottish independence referendum, according to First Minister Alex Salmond.

He demanded the moratorium so people in Scotland can have their own say on what to do with the public “asset” in the event of a Yes vote next September.

“The Scottish Government is firmly opposed to the privatisation of Royal Mail and this proposed sell-off of an essential public service should be subject to a moratorium until the result of Scotland’s referendum is known,” he said.

“Privatisation is a deeply flawed decision with potentially serious and long-term effects on Scotland’s rural communities and rural economy.”

A majority of Scotland’s MPs opposed the sell-off in a vote, which he said illustrates that decisions should be taken independently.

“I am therefore calling on the Prime Minister to put a halt to this deeply misguided action until the people of Scotland have had their say on Scotland’s future next year,” he said.

The UK Government confirmed last Thursday that it is pressing ahead with controversial plans by selling shares, sparking claims it was “selling off the family silver”.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the UK Government’s scheme will not affect the universal service.

“This will be good for Royal Mail,” he said.

“It will make it flourish.”