Not sure why I, as a British tax payer, should have to buy shares in something that I already own.
We have a pretty good mail service in Britain today, despite the moans of some people. My American friends are always amazed when they come and stay with me, that letters arrive, inside my house, every morning. Speak to people in Holland and they will tell you horror stories of how their mail service is now in tatters.
I predict that within 10 years, Royal Mail will be foreign owned, just like the gas, electric and water utilities are now. Whoever owns it will not be able to continue to offer a universal service throughout Britain, so will need to be bailed out by the subsidies by the Tax Payer, just like the rail industry.
Don't forget all that subsidy goes in the front door from the treasury, and immediately goes out the back door to share holders. That is what subsidy does...it pays the share holders dividends.
Say what you like about Thatcher, and if it can be said over the years, I've said it ! But even she wouldn't touch the Royal Mail.
If this privatisation goes ahead it will be the first step on the road to ruin.