Tulip Siddiq

• I WAS extremely concerned to hear of the closures of NatWest bank branches in Hampstead and Belsize Park.

In their public statement NatWest have unfortunately chosen to justify the move by focusing on the shift towards online banking from over-the-counter services.

This neglects their responsibilities to customers who may not use internet banking, including a large proportion of elderly customers and individuals who will physically need extra assistance in carrying out their banking.

As their elected representative I will be writing to the banks to find out what contingencies they have in place for these residents.

I will also take the issue to government ministers who have a duty to ensure that such customers across the country are taken into consideration, as local closures are only a small part of a national pattern.

TULIP SIDDIQ MP
Labour, Hampstead and Kilburn