This time they really are going to sell the
silver - oppose the privatisation of the Royal
Mint
Get your MP to sign up to the EDM to oppose the
privatisation of the Royal Mint - keep the Royal
Mint in the public purse
The Royal Mint was established in the thirteenth century. It
is known world wide for producing coinage, medals and seals, not
just for the UK but for some 60 other countries worldwide. To the
people of the UK, the Royal Mint means a guarantee of integrity and
honesty. As an upholder of these values, it brings confidence to
our currency.
It is also a profitable, well-run public sector organisation, one
which can be proud of the decent terms and working conditions
for its employees who are loyal to its values.
But this is now all under threat.
In April this year, Gerry Grimstone, a former civil servant during
the Thatcher government, recommended that there was a strong case
for handing the Royal Mint over to the private sector.
Unite, and its colleagues at the Royal Mint, PCS and Prospect,
strongly oppose the Grimstone recommendations. We have serious
concerns for what privatisation would mean for the Royal Mint and
its future.
Unite believes it is in the best interests of the country and Royal
Mint to keep the nation's silver in the public purse.
Our worry is that the public service provided by the Royal Mint
will not be sustained under private sector ownership. We need your
help to raise these worries with MPs so that they can make the
Government think again.
When the private sector has got its hands on national services -
public transport, fuel for instance - costs have risen as
shareholder profit is put before public interest.
The private sector must not be allowed to 'coin in' on the Royal
Mint's profits, and put at risk hundreds of years of tradition,
craftsmanship and commitment to the values of public service.
John McDonnell MP has put down an early day motion (EDM) calling on
MPs to help raise concerns about the Grimstone review. This EDM
warns that if Grimstone goes through, this will be a stepping stone
to the wholesale privatisation of the Royal Mint.
Please take a minute of your time to register these concerns with
your MP.
You can write to your MP by using the text below. Or check to see
if your MP has signed up to
EDM 2115 Royal Mint - and if not get
them to sign now.
Find out who your MP is
and contact them here
To read more about Unite's campaign click here:
This time they really
are going to sell the silver.
Dear XXXXXXXX
Please help keep the Royal Mint in the public
purse
I am writing to urge you to sign EDM 2115 Royal
Mint.
This EDM sets out the deep concerns I have that the review
by former civil servant Gerry Grimstone which recommends a
part-sell off of the Royal Mint is actually a stepping stone to the
wholesale privatisation of the Royal Mint.
Privatisation will certainly put at risk the 750 permanent
staff and around 100 temporary staff in South Wales who are now
very concerned that their livelihoods will be at risk if the Royal
Mint is sold off to the private sector.
It will also almost certainly compromise the values of
honesty and integrity for which the Royal Mint is known the world
over as the desire of private shareholders for profits shape its
future.
Given its record of success in recent years, there is no
credible rationale for taking the Royal Mint out of public hands
and in doing so, undermining its world-renowned brand. As well as
producing UK coinage and official medals and seals, it also
supplies export orders for some sixty foreign countries
annually.
The private sector must not be allowed to 'coin in' on the
Royal Mint's profits, and put at risk hundreds of years of
tradition and craftsmanship.
By signing this EDM you will not only be showing you
support for the 850 workers and their families who depend on the
Royal Mint, as well as all the other jobs in South Wales is
supports, but you will also be standing up for one of our great
public services.
Please help defend our Royal Mint and make sure that the
Government rejects the Grimstone review.
I look forward to your response and I thank you in advance
for your kind help on this matter.
Yours sincerely
address and/or email (make sure you include this
to ensure your MP doesn't view your letter as a
circular)
