BBC Breakfast viewers were left divided as they hit out at the government for ‘selling off’ the Royal Mail after a ‘breaking news’ announcement was made on the show

On BBC Breakfast, a sudden breaking news alert regarding Royal Mail’s sale caused a pause in regular programming.

On Monday, December 16, hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay returned to the iconic red sofa, delivering the latest headlines across the country and beyond. The major talking point of the programme, however, was the acquisition of Royal Mail by Czech business magnate Daniel Kretinsky.

In an 8am update branded as “breaking news”, both Jon and Sally verified the go-ahead for the highly discussed takeover.

Sally reported: “The government has approved the sale of the Royal Mail parent company to the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. It’s understood that the deal worth £3.6billion will be formerly announced later this morning,” reports the Express.

A piece of breaking news was shared on BBC Breakfast ( 
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(Image: BBC))

Adding to this, Jon noted: “The firm was established in the 16th century and privatised a decade ago. Ministers will still have a say in how it is run. Our business correspondent and editor, Simon Jack has the story for us.”

Post-announcement, viewers promptly turned to social platform X to express their opinions. A clearly dissatisfied fan remarked: “Sadly, this only confirms that the modern Britain unlike the Britain of old knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Well done, sell the Tower of London next!”

One viewer commented: “The end of everyday delivery and probably the end of letters.” Another, chiming in on the debate, posted: “#BBCBreakfast running interference for the destruction of the Royal Mail.”

The take over was announced on BBC Breakfast ( 
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(Image: BBC))
A different spectator weighed in on the matter of the company’s title, suggesting: “The ‘Royal’ should be removed if it’s a private concern.”

With the upcoming changes, the government will maintain a special “golden share”, which enables it to sign off on significant shifts concerning Royal Mail’s ownership, the location of its headquarters, and its tax residency status.

Additionally, new arrangements have been made with unions to ensure workers benefit from the company’s profits; they’ll receive 10% of any dividends distributed to Kretinsky. Moreover, there will be the creation of a workers group which will convene monthly with the directors of Royal Mail, amplifying the employees say in the corporate management.

Over time, customers have cast a critical eye on Royal Mail due to what they perceive as rising postage costs and have also voiced concerns over delayed deliveries.

BBC Breakfast airs Monday-Sundays from 6AM on BBC One.