Earlier this month, the Post Office announced that from this autumn, they will no longer directly manage any of their branches.

I am sad to say that this means that both Hampstead post office and the Kilburn branch will either be managed by another retailer or be closed. My thoughts firstly go to those who work in post offices across the country. I know that the job uncertainty and speculation they have faced in recent years have been incredibly difficult.

If you are a local employee of a post office branch, do reach out, and I will support you in any way I can at this understandably anxious time.

I also know how much Hampstead post office means to local people. It is a lifeline for my most vulnerable and elderly constituents, providing critical banking services at a time when banks are disappearing from our high street.

That is why I signed, with others, the Heath and Hampstead Society’s letter expressing my concern at its potential closure. I also raised the concerns of my constituents directly with the Post Office minister and in a debate in Parliament, stressing the importance of keeping this local asset open.

Financial inclusion and access to cash is very close to my heart.

When I was City Minister, I set up the Government’s Financial Inclusion Committee. I convened business leaders, consumer groups and charities to understand how we can improve access to financial services and products.

I continue to champion a financial system that is fairer and more accessible. Keeping our local post office open is key to delivering that.

While in Government, I was also responsible for the rollout of banking hubs. Over several years, with the closure of many high street banks, we saw communities across the country left with no in-person banking services.

This Labour government is acutely aware of the impact this had on the most vulnerable and we are bringing these services back through the delivery of 350 banking hubs.

Post offices are at the heart of the Government’s financial inclusion plans because they lie at the heart of the community.

I can assure you that I will continue to do all I can to ensure the full range of postal services are maintained for all my constituents.