A Hampshire MP has joined a group that aims to help post offices

Damian Hinds, Conservative MP for East Hampshire, has joined the newly reformed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Post Offices, bringing the voices of local postmasters and communities into Parliament.

The cross-party group, re-established with support from the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP), brings together MPs from across the political spectrum to champion the future of the UK's post office network and provide a forum to address the challenges and opportunities facing postmasters and the communities they serve.

The APPG has already begun examining key issues affecting post offices, including access to in-person banking, the future commercial sustainability of the network, and the need for greater oversight and accountability within Post Office Ltd.

With more than 11,500 post offices serving communities across the UK, the NFSP says the APPG will play an important role in ensuring post offices remain at the heart of local high streets, towns and villages.

NFSP Chief Executive Officer Calum Greenhow said: "The NFSP has supported the re-establishment of the APPG to ensure postmasters have a strong voice in Parliament. We are grateful to Damian for joining the group and supporting the thousands of postmasters and communities who rely on the network every day.

"Having MPs from across the political spectrum involved is vital in ensuring the future of post offices remains firmly on the parliamentary agenda. Postmasters’ experience and expertise must help shape decisions about the future of the network."

One of the APPG's early priorities is ensuring post offices are recognised as a key provider of in-person banking services in communities where bank branches have closed.

Calum added: "Postmasters are not only service providers, but they are also investors in the network and the communities they serve. Their knowledge and experience should be central to discussions about the future of the post office, ensuring the network remains sustainable and continues to deliver the services people rely on."

The NFSP believes post offices are a vital part of the UK's social and economic infrastructure, providing essential services, supporting local businesses and helping keep communities connected.

The APPG will provide a vital platform for MPs and postmasters to work together to protect the future of the post office network and ensure communities continue to have access to the services they rely on.