08-06-2017, 02:16 PM
(08-05-2017, 07:59 PM)Runabout Wrote: does Royal Mail fall under the same rules as US mail? I'm speaking of needing a warrant to be opened!
I think they are similar processes, but obviously different laws for different countries.
The relevant law is in The Postal Services Act 2000 (check subsection 106). I understood it to mean that in normal circumstances HMRC (Border Force) can, and do, open some mail when it enters the country (hence the love letters). But they are the only ones who have that power automatically. In a sense this mostly isn't an issue for police since when they have a choice whether an operation is HMRC led or police led, they tend to go with the former because of the greater powers. I guess the issue raised by the OP suggests this isn't just border checks, but within mail centres, thus focusing on domestic post. It shouldn't affect me, but I'm interested from a civil liberties perspective.
I'm no legal expert so if anyone thinks part of what I've posted please jump in - I won't be offended and would prefer the correct information available!