He mentioned folks ought to be capable of “exercise lawful freedom of expression without the fear of having their bank accounts closed”, including: “Tomorrow morning I will be meeting with bank leaders to discuss this important issue and make clear the Government’s expectations.”
His feedback come after Mr Farage, the previous Brexit Party chief, acquired dossiers indicating that his checking account was shut by personal financial institution Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, as a result of it discovered his public statements did “not align” with its values.
The ex-MEP turned broadcaster acquired an apology from NatWest chief government Dame Alison Rose for “deeply inappropriate comments” about him in official papers.
Last week, the Treasury introduced reforms designed to offer clients better protections towards having accounts closed, adjustments that appeared to have been accelerated in response to Mr Farage’s expertise.
The measures embody making banks clarify why they’re shutting an account, which was not beforehand required, in addition to extending the discover interval for a pressured account closure from 30 days to 90 days.
The Government mentioned the extension ought to give clients extra time to problem a call by means of the Financial Ombudsman Service or discover a substitute financial institution.
The Government is unequivocal that banks and different fee service suppliers – which occupy a privileged place in society – shouldn’t be terminating contracts of fee account amenities on grounds referring to customers’ exercising of their proper to lawful freedom of expression.
Mr Griffith’s letter, which was seen by PA, was despatched to NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Nationwide Building Society, Santander, Virgin Money and Co-operative Bank.
Other chief executives anticipated to obtain the invite embody these at TSB, Metro, Allied Irish, Danske Bank and Bank of Ireland, whereas the heads of digital finance outfits at Monzo, Starling, Chase, PayPal, Revolut and Wise may even be known as to the Treasury.
Mr Griffith mentioned within the letter: “The Government is unequivocal that banks and other payment service providers – which occupy a privileged place in society – should not be terminating contracts of payment account facilities on grounds relating to users’ exercising of their right to lawful freedom of expression.
“The Government strongly supports this fundamental right afforded to all people in British society and will take the action necessary to protect it.
“I am calling a roundtable at the earliest opportunity to hear your views on how you and your firms will ensure that customers can access payment accounts without fear of being de-banked for their lawful expression, and necessary actions to be taken to implement the reforms announced.”
The closure of Mr Farage’s account sparked outrage amongst senior Tory MPs and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned “no-one should be barred from using basic services for their political views”.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove mentioned NatWest had “further to go” in resolving the matter.
It comes after Mr Farage gained an apology from the BBC over an inaccurate story that recommended the closure of his account was not attributable to his political beliefs however as a result of he lacked the funds wanted to carry an account on the high-net-worth financial institution.
The former MEP accepted the apology however shifted the main focus again to NatWest, emphasising the necessity for an inside investigation into the leak, calling on NatWest Group chairman Sir Howard Davies to take motion on this regard.
