Royal bust up

Lobbydog hears tensions rose at a meeting between Labour MPs and Mandelson over Royal Mail today.

Views were put to the Business Secretary very "forcefully" that his part-privatisation plan wasn't welcome.

I've heard different things about how many attended, estimates range from 30 to 60, but 71 have signed the EDM rejecting the plan.

Alan Simpson has gone all out and threatened rebellion.

The thing is, Royal Mail is going down the toilet – it's do or die time and at the moment I haven't heard of a coherent alternative plan, only vague ideas.

If there is one, they need to get it on paper quick sharp.