Bill Esterson MP, Labour’s Shadow Business and International Trade Minister, responding to the publishing of the Financial Conduct Authority Interim Report into the treatment of small businesses at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Interim Report is welcome news, but it is now essential the Government orders a judge-led inquiry into the treatment of small businesses by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
 
“The news of a police investigation last week is also an important step in ensuring the truth is discovered as part of a full and transparent process. Trust between small businesses and our financial institutions needs to be restored because their relationship is key to the success of the UK economy.

"The next Labour Government will stand up for small businesses by providing them with access to finance through Regional Investment Banks so we can build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”