The social cost of closing so many of our post offices will strike at the heart of numerous communities across my constituency.

Post offices are the lifeblood of any community. They are vital local institutions, just like a local school or pub, and are usually also part of a bigger store.

Post offices are not only essential for people who rely on them to collect benefits and pensions, but local businesses rely on them.

When a local post office closes, often it is the last shop in the community closes too. These Labour "cuts" will hit the vulnerable the hardest.

The British people are getting second-class treatment from a Government that has shown time and time again it cannot be trusted. A few heads need banging together. What is going to cost more, supporting our post offices or the social cost of closing them?

Timothy Kirkhope, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber and leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, Main Street, Scotton, North Yorkshire.