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Ripon MP raises concerns over treatment of rural postman

Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 10:12

Sir Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith has raised concerns about the treatment of a local postman who helped deliver a parish magazine.

Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate on Royal Mail’s performance, he highlighted a case involving a postal worker in his constituency who faced employment difficulties after helping distribute the magazine in a remote rural area.

Julian raised the case as he called for greater recognition of postal workers who go above and beyond to support their communities.

He told the debate that postmen and postwomen often provide far more than a delivery service, particularly in remote villages where they may be among the few people residents see each day.

For older and isolated residents, a visit from their local postperson can offer an important point of contact and reassurance.

Julian urged campaigners and ministers to recognise this wider social contribution when considering the future of Royal Mail services.

Watch a video of the debate here.

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