Business of the House

Alex Barros-Curtis Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This is an important and concerning matter, and the hon. Gentleman has been a key campaigner in supporting not only his constituents but those in the wider region. I will draw the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister, but we have Energy Security and Net Zero questions next week. He may wish to hear from the Minister directly. If he wants to follow up with a meeting with Ministers and others, I will help him to arrange that.

[Mr Alex Barros-Curtis (Cardiff West) (Lab)]

In Cardiff West, four banks have now closed—HSBC, Halifax, Barclays and, as of June, Lloyds bank in Canton. With those cumulative closures, a large part of my constituency will be left with extremely limited access to face-to-face banking services. I have met Lloyds and I have written to Link to highlight my concerns about the lack of appropriate infrastructure to access cash and other banking activities, but I have been very disappointed in their responses. Will the Leader of the House allocate Government time for a debate on the legislation that supports the important work of Link, and whether its mandate should be widened to consider not only access to cash but all other relevant banking activities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter, which has been raised consistently by all parties across the House. The Government understand the importance of face-to-face banking services, which is why we are committed to the roll-out of at least 350 banking hubs, more than 210 of which are already open. I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard what my hon. Friend has said. I encourage him to apply for an Adjournment or Westminster Hall debate, because I am sure that others will wish to join him and raise matters concerning their own constituencies.