RBS may be listening but will they act?

Condemnation of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s proposal to axe more than 50 branches across the country has been vocal and wide-ranging. Local people have voiced their dismay in petitions and public protests.

Small business owners have raised grave concerns about the effect on their livelihoods and on the high streets they serve.

Politicians from all parties have criticised the move, by a bank which is still majority-owned by the taxpayer.

And this paper has campaigned for a reprieve for the branches across Tayside on the target list.

Now we can add the Scottish affairs committee to the expanding list of critics.

MPs have concluded that RBS has failed to grasp the devastating effect its closure programme would have on communities and called on bosses to reverse the decision.

Committee members raised concerns about the bank’s impact assessments; its consideration of issues such as rural broadband speeds or the distances between branches; and the inadequacy of its consultation.

RBS issued a carefully worded statement in response, insisting it had listened to customers, colleagues, communities and elected representatives.

If that is really the case, it will act on the growing chorus of concerns and prove it really is committed to its customers. Until then, the fight goes on.