Scottish MP writes to Theresa May to “right the wrong” on RBS closures

SNP MP Ian Blackford MP has written to Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to step in to prevent Royal Bank of Scotland from closing 62 branches across the UK as the controversy over the plans rumbles on.

In his letter, the SNP Westminster said Mrs May must stand up for communities across Scotland who face losing their last bank in town.

When pressed on the issue by Mr Blackford in Prime Minister’s Questions, Theresa May said she did not intend to intervene on what she sees as a ‘commercial’ decision.

Edinburgh-based RBS, which is still 72 per cent-owned by the taxpayer, said the decision to close one-third of its branches in Scotland reflected the trend towards online banking, citing data that showed the use of its branches by customers had fallen 40 per cent since 2014.

However, the SNP said the bank has confirmed to Mr Blackford that no consultation was undertaken with the public before the decision was taken on the planned closures.

Ian Blackford 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 Prime Minister’s Questions was shocking – she can’t wash her hands of this issue.

“13 Scottish towns are about to lose their only bank. The Prime Minister is so out of touch she is unaware of how these closures will hit rural communities.

“I have learnt there was no consultation with local communities ahead of this decision being taken, highlighting a complete lack of customer care.

“These decisions must be raised by the UK government at the earliest opportunity in their role as a major shareholder.

“RBS has a duty to its customers, they really cannot repay our communities by withdrawing from them.

“The Prime Minister is turning her back on rural Scotland. This has to be stopped.’’