MP welcomes all-year-round free post for Armed Services

Stockport MP Ann Coffey has welcomed the government announcement that the free postal service for the armed services, introduced in the summer, will be continued after Christmas for personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The free service has been extremely popular and is now expected to continue as long as British forces are serving in these areas.

Ann Coffey said: “I know people in Stockport have been very generous in their contribution to the Support Our Soldiers shoebox appeal this Christmas.  The free postal service makes it as easy as possible for families and friends to send gifts to their loved ones serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Over the past few weeks, in the run-up to Christmas, around 100,000 parcels a week have been sent free of postage to around 14,000 frontline personnel, providing them with gifts food items and some home comforts for the festive season. 

Under the new arrangements agreed between the Ministry of Defence and Royal Mail, relatives and friends can take parcels weighing up to two kilograms to any post office, for onward posting to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Royal Navy ships in the region.