GLASGOW South MP Tom Harris has hit back after being branded hypocritical for supporting Government plans to close post offices.

Mr Harris and other city Labour MPs who had complained about the Royal Mail's cost-cutting plans were slammed for failing to back Opposition MPs who want the closures postponed.

Today Mr Harris said opposition politicians would be hypocrites if they ever admitted to buying a book of stamps in a newsagent, as the network was being cut back because many of its services were available elsewhere.

Mr Harris said: "Millions are now buying their car tax discs online and the same goes for many bills thatused to get paid at branches.

"Pensions and benefits can get paid directly into bank accounts and stamps have been available in supermarkets and newsagents for years."

Mr Harris issued his "stamp book challenge" to any critic who claimed no branches should close.

He said: "Are those politicians criticising Labour MPs for not doing enough to save branches really claiming they have not contributed to the Post Office's declining business?

"If they are like the vast majority of the public, they will have taken advantage of the range of services offered online and outside Post Office branches ."

The Post Office network is being slashed by 2500 branches across the UK to cut costs. Mr Harris campaigned to save two - Muirend and Pollokshaws - in his constituency.

He added: "I accept with reluctance that some branches have to close.

"An MP's job is to try to make sure the right branches close and that those which can be viable are saved."

The Government last week survived a Tory motion to suspend the closure programme by just 20 votes.

No Glasgow MP who could have taken part voted for the motion prompting an attack on them by city SNP MSPs.