Potential closure of post offices

That this House recognises the importance of Post Office branches across the UK; believes that they form a vital part of our local communities and highstreets with millions of people depending on them; recognises the importance of Post Offices as community hubs, providing access to communication, banking and other vital services; notes the particular need for such services for people with restricted access, such as older or more rural populations with little connectivity; is deeply concerned about the news that 115 branches of the Post Office may be closed and around 1,000 jobs could be at risk; and calls on the Government to take action to set the Post Office on a sustainable footing for the long term and to ensure that none of the 115 post offices close until a consultation with each local community has been undertaken.