PM urged to stop RBS branch closures
THE SNP’s Westminster leader has urged Theresa May to prevent RBS from closing 62 branches.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Ian Blackford said she must stand up for communities in Scotland who face losing their last bank in town.
When May was pressed on the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions last week, she said she did not intend to intervene on a “commercial” decision.
RBS are 72 per cent owned by the taxpayer but have confirmed to Blackford that no public consultation was undertaken before they announced the planned closures.
The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said: “The Prime Minister has an obligation. She must stand up for the public who bailed out RBS and are now, in some cases, going to be without any bank at all.
“Theresa May’s response in PMQs was shocking – she can’t wash her hands of this issue.
“Thirteen Scottish towns are about to lose their only bank.
“I have learnt there was no consultation with local communities ahead of this decision being taken, highlighting a complete lack of customer care.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has made clear his opposition to the closures.
He said: “Branches are a lifeline for many people, especially in rural areas.
“RBS need to remember their responsibilities to customers and reconsider these harmful closures.”