Home News RBS Chief Executive faces grilling over branch closures
News

RBS Chief Executive faces grilling over branch closures

xriversidemuseum r
xriversidemuseum

ROSS McEwen, the Chief Executive of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), is under intense scrutiny as he prepares to face a grilling from MPs today over the bank’s controversial branch closure plans. The SNP has made it clear that McEwen “still has plenty of questions to answer,” particularly regarding the impact of these closures on local communities and businesses across Scotland.

The proposed closures, which could see dozens of branches shuttered, have sparked widespread concern among customers, especially in rural areas where access to banking services is already limited. Critics argue that these moves could leave vulnerable customers, including the elderly and small business owners, without essential financial services. The issue has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the role of banks in supporting local economies.

This isn’t the first time RBS has faced backlash over branch closures. The bank, which was bailed out by taxpayers during the 2008 financial crisis, has been accused of prioritising profitability over public service. The SNP has been particularly vocal, calling for greater transparency and accountability from the bank’s leadership. “Communities across Scotland rely on these branches,” said an SNP spokesperson. “We need to understand the rationale behind these decisions and what alternatives are being offered.”

McEwen’s appearance before MPs comes at a critical time for RBS, which is still navigating its post-bailout recovery and working to rebuild public trust. The bank has argued that the closures are necessary due to a shift towards digital banking, with more customers opting for online and mobile services. However, critics counter that not everyone has the means or ability to make this transition, particularly in areas with poor internet connectivity.

As McEwen faces questions today, the focus will be on whether he can provide satisfactory answers to these concerns. The outcome of this session could have significant implications for RBS’s relationship with its customers and its reputation as a socially responsible institution. For now, the SNP remains steadfast in its demand for clarity, insisting that “the voices of those affected must be heard.”

For more details on the ongoing story, visit The Herald Scotland.

Related Articles

angela scanlon
News

Angela Scanlon Joins Strictly Come Dancing 2025 with Carlos Gu

Discover Angela Scanlon's exciting debut on Strictly Come Dancing 2023, paired with...

GettyImages
News

Edinburgh Castle Ranked Top Proposal Spot in Scotland – Daily Record

Discover the top global destinations for marriage proposals, including Edinburgh Castle in...

Rutherglen and Hamilton West By election
News

Rutherglen & Hamilton West By-Election Results 2025 – Glasgow News

An aggregate of 30,531 votes were counted in the Rutherglen & Hamilton...

Image jpeg
News

Fire and Assault at Glasgow Flats Under Police Investigation

Damage from a fire at Heathfield Road An intense fire and a...