New deal on free post wrapped up in time for Christmas

The free service has proved extremely popular with families of those serving overseas since its launch in September. The current arrangement was due to expire in December, however, under a new deal agreed today between the Ministry of Defence and Royal Mail, it will now continue after Christmas and is expected to last as long as British forces are serving in these areas.

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, said:

"The introduction of free post in the summer has been a real success with both families and service personnel, and I am just delighted that we have been able to come to an agreement with Royal Mail that will ensure the continuation of this valued service. I am very grateful to Royal Mail for their support for our troops."

Adam Crozier, Royal Mail's Chief Executive, added:

"I'm very proud that Royal Mail will continue to play a key role in making it as easy as possible for families and friends to send gifts and home comforts to their loved ones on the front line. The messages we've received from men and women at the front tell us how much they value parcels from home - and we're delighted to work with the British Forces Post Office to ensure a free service continues."

Lieutenant Colonel James Swift, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh based in Basra, stressed how important it was for personnel serving in Iraq to receive letters and parcels from home:

"At home, we all appreciate receiving letters, cards and gifts through the mail but on operations such as Iraq, when we are so far away from the people we care for most, it takes on a whole new meaning," he said. "The smile that broadens on a face as he or she is handed a letter or a parcel is priceless. The impact here of the free parcel service has been palpable and it is so hard for me to explain the true effect it has had.

"I am delighted parcels for the front line are taken by Royal Mail to the BFPO depot in Ruislip from where they are dispatched by military transport on the often difficult and dangerous journey to the front line."

Over the past few weeks, in the run up to Christmas, around 100,000 parcels a week have been sent free of postage to around 14,000 frontline personnel, providing them with gifts, non-perishable food items and home comforts.

Under the new deal, the costs of continuing the free parcel scheme will be shared jointly by Royal Mail and the BFPO. Relatives and friends can take parcels weighing up to two kilograms to any of the UK's 14,150 Post Office branches for onward posting to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Royal Navy ships in the region.