MP snubbed on RBS questions

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth’s SNP MP has been “blanked” over key questions surrounding the shock closure of the RBS branch in the Village.

Stuart McDonald tabled a series of parliamentary questions designed to find whether Chancellor George Osbornwe has discussed further RBS branch closures.

The MP’s demand follows the shock announcement that the historic branch in the Village will be one of the Scottish branches to shut in the next raft of closures.

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But in response he was told merely that the bank’s commercial operations remain a matter for its independent management team.

The MP wants Chancellor George Osborne to say “what discussions he has had with the Royal Bank of Scotland on plans to close further branches”, and whether he will make a statement on the issue.

He also wanted to know if the Government will take steps to prevent further branch closures, pending a review.

Mr McDonald said: “It’s not acceptable for the government to simply wash its hands of RBS branch closures.

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“Ultimately the bank is owned by taxpayers, and we shouldn’t hesitate to hold the UK government to account if the bank is not operating in the best interests of taxpayers”.

Mr McDonald also wants the UK government to consult widely on the future of RBS and to look at alternatives to the reprivatisation of the bank.

Local SNP MSP and Village resident Jamie Hepburn said: “I am particularly concerned business and trade customers will no longer have the convenience of an easily accessed local bank.”

He has been told the bank building is to be sold off within a few months, meaning it’s unlikely to stay vacant for a lengthy period.

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Mr Hepburn has also been assured bank staff won’t lose their jobs.

As reported last issue a cleaner at the bank learned it was to close – slashing her hours – from a poster.

The bank says it consults fully on closures.