CLYDESDALE BANK CLOSURE PROGRAMME

Early day motion 177, tabled 24 May 2005 by John Robertson (Labour). Signed by 40 members.

That this House condemns the decision by National Australia Bank to close 60 Clydesdale Bank branches in Scotland in the next 18 months; notes that research has demonstrated that the closure of branches triggers an outflow of economic activity and threatens the long-term survival of communities, particularly when they are `the last bank in town'; believes that closures will have a devastating impact on local communities, particularly in poorer areas where alternative banking is not accessible, and particularly affecting the most vulnerable and least able to travel, such as older people, the less able and parents with young children; and urges the National Australia Bank to reconsider this massive programme, particularly where a closure will leave communities without any local bank.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.