Davy Russell
Scottish Labour · Scotland
“More than that, I hope that the Scottish and UK Governments will be prepared to work together to come down on retail banking conglomerates like a ton of bricks if banks will not independently curtail their detrimental closures of high street branches.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗
“However, it is only in the longer term that we will see the full extent of the economic impact to Larkhall’s high street, which has always punched well above its weight— similar to Rutherglen, to be fair—as an independent hub for retailers.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗
“I promise them that the customers they will see are those who are vulnerable in our society. They may be older or have a disability. They might want to send money abroad or they might be desperate to seek a line of credit or forgiveness for being overdrawn, while they are being punished by penalties that they cannot afford to pay.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗
“I must thank Clare Haughey for bringing this debate to Parliament, as bank closures have also been a big issue in part of my constituency. I will also mention Councillor Ricky Nelson, who has worked closely with me on the issue. In January, the Bank of Scotland branch in Larkhall closed.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗
“They were committed to the closure, apparently in the interests of shareholders, while putting the interests of vulnerable customers at the bottom of the pile.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗
“I think that many constituents would find that those billions of pounds would be better spent on the national health service, schools and lowering energy costs, rather than rewarding shareholders and awarding bankers bonuses. The bank’s motto should be “Didn’t care, didn’t listen, won’t care, don’t care”. I have one more thing to say.”
Scottish Parliament24 March 2026Source ↗