On 12 May, I highlighted on this blog the problems that the Postal Services Bill might encounter in the House of Commons, following a relatively smooth passage through the Lords. So what has happened since then and is the Government on-course to get the Bill passed before the summer recess?

21 May was the day that things began happening in the Commons with regard to the PSB. On this date, the Bill received its first reading. However, this stage is just a formality and no debate or vote takes place. Now usually what happens after this first stage is that a Bill progresses to its second reading circa two weeks later, at which there is a debate on the principle – rather than the detail – of the Bill. However, no date has been set for the PSB to receive its second reading; given the controversial nature of this Bill, it would appear that time is running out.
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Technorati Tags: Harriet Harman, parliament, politics, postal services

Believe it or not, but away from the plugs, pools and paddocks, and all the other items related to the parliamentary expenses disclosure, our legislators are still busy at work. Just before 9.25pm last night, the Report Stage of the Postal Services Bill was completed. This is, of course, the Bill that will enable, amongst other things, the restructuring of Royal Mail Group. The Bill has stirred up lots of passions, not least from one peer, a former postal union leader, who had attempted to kill off the Bill by declining to give it a second reading.
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Technorati Tags: legislation, postal services

Yesterday in Parliament, one of 2009′s most controversial pieces of legislation – the Postal Services Bill – received its second reading. With Lord Mandelson driving the Bill through the House of Lords and strong opinions held across both Houses of Parliament, it promises to be an interesting few months of parliamentary activity, to put it mildly. (more…)

Technorati Tags: digital age, Lord Mandelson, postal services