Ofcom has been urged to carry out an urgent review into the universal postal service obligation amid fears that islands, including Cumbrae, could be affected in future.

Katy Clark MP wants proposals brought forward to protect it and the commercial viability of Royal Mail against the threat posed by unfair competition.

Royal Mail is the current universal postal service provider and is obliged to provide a six days a week letters service across the United Kingdom at an affordable and uniform price.

Following the Postal Services Act 2011 there has been a rapid increase in the ‘cherry picking’ of profitable routes in the ‘end to end’ market by private providers such as TNT.

Concerns have been raised by Royal Mail, the Communication Workers’ Union and others that should this continue the universal service will be put at risk. Ms. Clark secured a debate on the subject in the House of Commons which took place on Thursday 18 July.

Ms. Clark said: “I represent a large rural constituency in Scotland with islands and many small communities. In many parts of it, the costs of providing a mail delivery service will be quite considerable, no matter how we organise postal services. That is why the universal service is so important. It is also important that we ensure that stamp prices are kept at a level that is affordable in all parts of the country.” At the moment, Royal Mail still delivers 99% of mail in the UK.

Ms Clark added: “My concern is that the situation could change very quickly given the current expansion plans of TNT, in particular, and perhaps other providers as well. Royal Mail is subject to vigorous and rigorous performance standards.

“Its competitors are not subject to the same standards. There are also many concerns about the terms and conditions of the work force, which are considerably worse than those of the Royal Mail work force.”