The Government has rejected calls to return Royal Mail to public ownership, responding to a petition signed by more than 10,300 people that claimed privatisation had "clearly failed". In its response, the Government said it has no current plans to restore the company to public ownership, arguing that privatisation was necessary to ensure the continued provision of a universal postal service that does not compete for public funds.
The petition, which closed last Friday, raised concerns over "failed" letter delivery standards and "worsening conditions" for staff. It stated: "We are concerned that Royal Mail has made profits for years while having repeated industrial disputes with loyal postal workers. Letter delivery has failed time and again. We believe privatisation has clearly failed — the Government should restore Royal Mail to public ownership."
The petition also said: "We believe Royal Mail has generated profits for years while its dedicated postal workers have faced worsening conditions, triggering repeated industrial disputes. Letter delivery standards have failed time and time again, and we feel that the public is paying the price. We think privatisation has clearly failed. The Government should purchase Royal Mail and return this essential service to public ownership."
Government's response
In its answer on Monday, the Government rejected the idea, saying: "The Government has no current plans to return Royal Mail to public ownership. Our priority is to ensure the provision of a universal postal service that does not compete for public funds."
The fuller response added: "Royal Mail is a critical part of our national infrastructure, providing crucial services for millions across the UK, and is an iconic part of UK national life. Privatisation was necessary to ensure this critical institution continues and that there is a consistent provision of a universal postal service that does not compete for public funds, which should be used to fund the NHS and other public services."
The Government said the designated universal service provider remaining within the private sector with access to the capital needed to transform the business and ensure its long-term financial sustainability is "the most appropriate option at this time". It noted that it had secured "significant commitments" to protect UK customers, including its Golden Share in Royal Mail, which secures a veto against the movement of Royal Mail's tax and HQ residency out of the UK.
Performance improvements acknowledged
However, the Government confirmed there were issues, saying the "quality of service has not been good enough". It added: "Ministers have regularly met Royal Mail's leadership to discuss ongoing performance issues following reports of issues in a number of areas and will continue to make representations where service levels fall short."
The Government noted that the Minister for the Future of Work met with the Chief Executive of Royal Mail on 21 September 2026 to reinforce the importance of postal deliveries to constituents and to stress that the company needs to continue to improve its performance. Figures for the first quarter of 2026/27 show "some positive improvement", with First Class performance up 9% to 85.0% and second class up by 2.1% to 91.4%. But it warned: "Whilst an improvement this still does not meet statutory targets, and we will continue to push Royal Mail to improve."
Royal Mail's response
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Our latest Quality of Service results are encouraging and show that the changes we are making are delivering real improvements for customers. First Class performance has improved to 85% delivered the next working day, up from 76% a year earlier. Across all letters, 93% are delivered on time and more than 99% within a week."
The spokesperson added: "We know there is more to do and are investing £500 million over five years to improve reliability. We are also making significant changes across our network, including rolling out our new delivery model across all 1,200 delivery offices, which will help provide a more consistent service for customers across the UK."
Changes already put in place by Royal Mail include alternating schedules for second-class letters, higher stamp costs, and updated tracking notifications. Ofcom also lowered the firm's official targets to allow 90% of First Class mail to be delivered next-day, while second-class now aims for 95% to be delivered within three working days.
