GAVIN NEWLANDS PUSHES MUNDELL TO INTERVENE ON SANTANDER CLOSURES

SCOTTISH SECRETARY URGED TO GET ROUND CROSS-PARTY TABLE

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has urged Scotland’s Secretary of State to make clear what steps the UK government will take to halt the earmarked closure of 15 Scottish branches of Santander.

The bank announced plans to close 15 branches in Scotland, which will have a devastating impact on staff, customers and local firms. Branches earmarked for closure include the Renfrew Branch.

Commenting, Newlands said:

“The closure of 15 Santander branches across our country is another kick in the teeth to our high streets and local communities, I urge the bank to halt these closures and begin a proper consultation with their staff and the communities that depend on them.

“Bank branches, including the Santander in Renfrew, provide vital services that are useful to many in our community, especially those with additional needs and the elderly due to the face-to-face nature of the service. This ultimately means that the important local employment they offer can be valuable for local communities.

“David Mundell needs to get his act together, step-up, and engage with other parties to define what needs to be done by the UK Government in order to halt these closures.