The Times:
Frontline troops to get free postage on parcels
Families sending parcels to troops out in Afghanistan and Iraq have been granted free postage by Royal Mail after a public appeal on their behalf by General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the Army. The instant response from the chairman of Royal Mail, following General Dannatt’s televised remarks from Afghanistan on Sunday, was welcomed last night by the Ministry of Defence.
Allan Leighton, Royal Mail chairman, said he wanted to see “our frontline troops get as much support as possible”.
General Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, spoke out during a visit to see British troops in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. Interviewed on BBC television, he directed his remarks to Royal Mail, leaning towards the camera and saying: “Come on, Royal Mail.” He made it clear he was “irritated” that families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq had to pay postage on their parcels. He also used his visit to call for an increase in danger money for troops in the two campaigns, and gave his personal support for a clasp to be added to the Afghanistan operational medal for those fighting the Taleban in Helmand.
After the response from Royal Mail, General Dannatt said: “I am delighted by the support shown by Royal Mail and extremely grateful. This decision to provide a free parcel service to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will mean a great deal to our soldiers and to their families.” Defence sources said that General Dannatt had been in touch with Mr Leighton on a number of occasions to try and persuade him to grant a free parcel post for troops’ families.
Mr Leighton said that the free service would start as soon as possible and last until Christmas. Discussions will be held later between Royal Mail and the MoD about how the free service might be maintained after Christmas.
Bob Ainsworth, Armed Forces Minister, said: “This is great news. I think the troops out in Afghanistan and Iraq, and all their families, will be delighted.”
The details of the arrangement have yet to be fully worked out, but there is expected to be a 2kg weight limit and parcels sent to Iraq or Afghanistan will have to be addressed to a named individual.