Before Theresa May faces a no-confidence motion, British politicians will debate letterboxes

Britain is in chaos and its Prime Minister could be kicked out over her Brexit failure. But not before a debate about letterboxes.

After the devastating defeat of her Brexit vote, British Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a likely no confidence showdown tomorrow — but only after a debate on a peculiar proposition.

With the country in crisis and Ms May’s leadership under increasing pressure, parliament is showing it can still get on with some elements of business by debating a proposed law about letterboxes.

Yes, letterboxes — and specifically, the height of them in people’s doors.

Should the PM face a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons tomorrow, it will only occur after politicians spend 10-minutes discussing a proposed low-level letterbox ban.

It might seem humorously timed for Australians — not too many of whom would have a slot for mail in our front doors — but it’s serious business for our Brit cousins.

Related story: Britain watches in horror as Brexit drama takes dangerous turn

This is the kind of low-level letterbox that British posties hate and want parliament ban.

“I’m a postie and there should be a special place in hell for anyone with a low-level letterbox,” mailman Robert wrote on Twitter.

Another former frustrated deliveryman agreed, saying: “I can still clearly remember the nightmare of delivering the Sunday Times, to one particular household who had a teeny low-level letterbox. Had to deliver it supplement by supplement. Like delivering 10 newspapers.”

Forget this Brexit business — the big issue on the parliamentary agenda tomorrow is the low-level letterbox ban. Picture: Getty Images

But advocates for the men and women who bring people their bills and letters insist it’s a serious issue, with slots installed too low increasing the risk of injury.

In a bulletin to its branches last year, the Communications Workers Union announced it would revive its low-level letterbox ban campaign in a bid to reduce “possible injuries such as dog bites, fingers being trapped or back strain”.

Our cat won't be happy. How can he knock on the door if it doesn't have a low level letterbox ?

— David Wareham (@Roughyed1963) January 15, 2019

The issue was first raised in 1958, it said, and has been a major CWU push since but has never been enshrined in law.

“The problem still exists and the huge increase in house building over the last decade has in many areas of the country made the problem worse for postal delivery workers,” it said.

News of the odd item of business on tomorrow’s parliamentary agenda, which will follow PM’s Question Time, ignited a wave of sneering and sniggering on social media.

Thankfully, Theresa May’s front door at 10 Downing Street has a letterbox at an appropriate height. Also, that’s Larry the Downing Street cat. Picture: AP

Tom Clancy called for a “live televised debate” with time given for “pro-lowboxers” and “letter-sensers”, but Francois Caron suggested it should be presented on TV “in letterbox format”.

Don't know about you, but I'm really excited for the low level letterbox vote.

I'm torn. They are a bugger for deliveries, but my very old door has one, and those awful spring loaded knuckle grazers are worse.

— Rowena Kay (@rowena_kay) January 15, 2019

Locally there is a low-level letterbox on a chiropractors. Touting for business?🤣

— Phil Gabe (@Gabe55Gabe) January 15, 2019

@tonylivesey Tony! What’s going on?!?
The low level letterbox debate tomorrow!
Are you guys reporting the news or what!
Brexit is a blip, bending down is forever!

— Pablo Sacramento 🤜🏆💯👈 (@PabloSacramento) January 15, 2019

Joking aside, momentum for change has been strong over the past 12 months, with pundits saying now is the time to legislate a ban.

The British Government has set a target of building one million new homes by 2020, with some 217,000 dwellings constructed in 2016-17.

The CWU said a number of those properties are popping up with mailboxes that are too low and it fears Brexit could see “good standards” ending up on a “bonfire of regulations”.

Ireland passed legislation in 2000 requiring mailboxes in newly constructed homes to be at a certain level after a series of high-profile injury claims, including one that awarded £43,000 (AU$76,000) to a postie.

The Brexit crisis is gripping the nation and Theresa May is likely to face a no-confidence motion tomorrow — after the low-level letterbox debate. Picture: AP