Neil Cardwell, Labour’s candidate in Gordon, has expressed his surprise and concern at the inconsistency of other political parties on the issue of local bank closures and has called on the SNP in particular to clarify their position.
Clydesdale Bank closed a number of branches in Gordon this year, as part of a programme of 18 branch closures throughout the North East.
Among the communities to lose banks were Oldmeldrum, Rhynie, Insch, Tarves, Fyvie and Rothienorman.
Local MSP Nora Radcliffe’s decision to praise Clydesdale Bank in a parliamentary motion was heavily criticised by the SNP.
However, SNP Enterprise and Economy spokesperson Jim Mather recently lodged a similar motion, enthusiastically congratulating Clydesdale Bank for “being named the best bank in Scotland for business customers.”
Neil Cardwell, Labour candidate in Gordon, has called on the SNP to clarify their position.
He said:
“It is, quite frankly, hypocritical of the SNP to lodge this type of parliamentary motion when they criticised Nora Radcliffe for doing something similar.
“People throughout Gordon have been adversely affected by the Clydesdale Bank closures programme and deserve to know where the SNP stand on this important issue.
“The motion shows that the SNP are on the side of big business instead of local communities in Gordon.
“I think voters in Gordon will be keen to hear whether Alex Salmond endorses Jim Mather’s support for the Clydesdale Bank, despite their decision to close several branches in this area.
“I call on Alex Salmond to clarify his, and the Scottish National Party’s, position on bank closures in Gordon as a matter of urgency.”
The text of Jim Mather’s motion in the Scottish Parliament reads : Congratulations to Clydesdale - Best Bank for Business—That the Parliament offers its congratulations to Clydesdale Bank on being named the best bank in Scotland for business customers by the Forum of Private Business and trusts that the other banks in Scotland will continue, with the Clydesdale, to develop strong banking and support networks for Scottish businesses and continue to bolster Scotland’s international reputation for financial services that reward clients, no matter where they are based.
Gordon Labour website link : http//www.gordonlabour.org.uk
