Postal regulator Postcomm has recommended the partial privatisation of Royal Mail to protect the principle of universal service in a declining postal market, in its second submission to the independent review of the postal market.

These plans should be no surprise to anyone but it does seem almost spooky that Nigele Stapleton's announcement should be on the very day that Postcom debated the compensation due to clients from the industrial action that took place late last year, and the possible financial penalties that Royal Mail would incur. it's plain from what he said that Royal Mail have'nt got two brass farthings to rub together. I should think it only a matter of time before Royal Mail gets bought out. After all, Sweden Post and Denmark Post are joined at the hip and both of these have a stake in Belgium Post. I would'nt be surprised if the Royal Mail goes to Deutsche Post, as they still seem flush with cash.