Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S6W-43890

Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Current Status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 4 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with Royal Mail regarding the reported operational pressures it faces and the possibility of late or non-delivery of election material, including postal ballots, which could compromise the democratic process ahead of the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election period.

While Royal Mail and postal delivery services are reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government is committed to the safe delivery of the parliamentary election on 7 May.

I have been concerned to see recent reports from the BBC and other media outlets stating that Royal Mail are pursuing a policy of prioritising the delivery of parcels while letters remain undelivered for a much longer period of time than should be the case. This is why I have already written to Mr Alistair Cochrane, Interim CEO of the Royal Mail Group, requesting a meeting to discuss with him how Royal Mail intend to ensure all election materials are delivered within the required timescales.

In addition, representatives of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland will be meeting with Royal Mail representatives on a weekly basis from mid-March to the election on 7 May. This was normal practice in the run up to previous elections and provides an opportunity to discuss any emerging issues.

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Question reference: S6W-43890

Answer