Business of the House

Kirsten Oswald Excerpts
Thursday 19th January 2017

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I am not in a position to announce anything further about that Bill.

Kirsten Oswald Portrait Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP)
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Clydesdale bank’s latest tranche of bank closures includes the one in Giffnock, in my constituency, which has already been disproportionately affected by bank closures. As well as causing difficulties for our high streets, it is particularly problematic for people less able to get about, and the bank’s wilful disregard for any form of consultation is frankly shameful. Can we have a debate in Government time on the latest Clydesdale bank closures and on the role and responsibilities of high street banks?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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It is right that the banks stick to their own code, which requires that particular attention be paid when the last banking outlet in a community is scheduled for closure, but these are independent businesses facing a future in which many of their customers are choosing to bank online rather than in person at a local branch. It is a challenge for them to get the balance right and to ensure that everybody in the hon. Lady’s constituency has the access to banking services that they need.