The postal strike in London is causing hardship for Midlanders. Despite the General Election and the Dissolution of Parliament — which means that there are no Members of Parliament — constituents still have problems and ‘ex-MPs’ still have to deal with them. But the postal strike has affected mail to and from the House of Commons and caused a communications breakdown in Whitehall.

Michael Fabricant says "I apologise to constituents who have been expecting replies from me over the last few days. Although I am up in Lichfield for the general election campaign, mail is still sent to me via my staff in Westminster where they still continue to take up problems with Government Ministers, the NHS, Housing Associations, and other organisations on constituents’ behalf. The Post Office tell me that over 10 million items have now stacked up in sorting offices due to the unofficial strike. This includes replies from Ministers, mail for my signature, and letters written to me by constituents.

"I understand that there is hope that the strike will soon be over, but I do hope that people who have written to me recently with their urgent problems will understand why my replies may arrive late."