Hunger strike over for now as bank boss offers talks
A BANKRUPT businessman has suspended his four-day hunger strike against Clydesdale Bank after its chief executive agreed to meet him.
John Guidi, a former property entrepreneur facing eviction from his home of 30 years, had been camped since Sunday outside the head office of Clydesdale Yorkshire Banking Group (CYBG), the bank’s owner, in Glasgow.
He was protesting against Clydesdale for switching him from ‘safer’ long-term deals to £10million of ‘riskier’ short-term loans.
The 63-year-old had refused to halt his strike until CYBG chief executive David Duffy agreed to discuss his issue.
Last night, Mr Guidi said: ‘I am pleased that in a week, the bank has shifted their position to accepting my request. I think I have been vindicated.
‘My wife and my family are over the moon. I have suspended my hunger strike – I haven’t stopped my protest.’
Asked about his first meal, Mr Guidi said: ‘I’m going to have a bit of broth and possibly a bit of smoked salmon.’
A meeting between Mr Guidi and Mr Duffy is now scheduled to take place in central London on Friday.
Hundreds of entrepreneurs have criticised the use of ‘tailored business loans’ by Clydesdale, which they blame for leading to the ruin of their businesses.
Litigation company RGL Management is preparing a lawsuit for small businesses that believe they were mis-sold products.
A spokesman for CYBG said: ‘Clydesdale Bank has taken no action against Mr Guidi in relation to his house and other parties involved in this process are not acting on behalf of the bank.
‘We have strongly urged Mr Guidi to stop his extreme personal protests.’