Royal Mail investigates fake Diane Abbott stamps

Royal Mail is investigating fake stamps featuring Diane Abbott’s face which are apparently making their way through the postal network.

An anonymous man claiming to be a London postman shared images of the red stamps – one of which was franked – with several news outlets.

It comes after Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, became an internet sensation after she was seen sipping a canned mojito on a London tube train last month.

The Labour shadow home secretary later apologised for enjoying the alcoholic beverage on public transport.

The anonymous postie said the fake stamps were probably a “lighthearted stunt” despite it being a serious offence to send them.

They told the Hackney Gazette: “I have spotted what apparently nobody else has… there’s a Diane Abbott stamp making it through the mail.

“Obviously it’s a serious offence to send fraudulent stamps through the mail, though I feel this might be a lighthearted stunt.”

But Royal Mail has said it is looking into the counterfeit stamps and is hoping to prosecute those behind them.

A spokesperson said: “It is a crime to create or use counterfeit stamps. Royal Mail takes the necessary steps to protect stamp revenues which help fund the universal postal service which serves the UK’s 30 million households and businesses.

“We will seek to prosecute where we find someone has created counterfeit stamps or knowingly sold used stamps for re-use. This matter is being investigated by our security team.”

Sky News has contacted Ms Abbott for comment.

(c) Sky News 2019: Royal Mail investigates fake Diane Abbott stamps