Business of the House

Stephen Kerr Excerpts

Thursday 7th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am hoping that somebody might conceivably manage a single-sentence question. I call Mr Stephen Kerr.

[Stephen Kerr (Stirling) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Last week, the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is 72%-owned by the taxpayer, announced the closure of 259 branches, including branches in my constituency in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, with the loss of 680 jobs. Will the Leader of the House provide a debate, in Government time, on the announcement of these closures and the future of retail banking in this country?

[Andrea Leadsom]

My hon. Friend is a strong champion for his constituency and he raises an important point. All banks must now comply with the access to banking standard, which requires consultation and careful thought before closures. He will also be aware that the Post Office now provides access to basic banking services for all retail banks. Nevertheless, he raises an important point and I encourage him to pursue it, perhaps with the Financial Conduct Authority or with this bank itself.