Coutts Bank Publicly Apologises to Nigel Farage for "Deeply Inappropriate Comments"

Nigel Farage has received an apology from NatWest chief Dame Alison Rose for ‘deeply inappropriate comments’ made about him in papers for the Wealth Committee.
Vanessa Feltz speaks with TalkTV’s Political Editor Kate McCann and International Editor Isabel Oakeshott about how this has changed the ways in which banks will deal with closing accounts.
#TalkTV #TalkRadio #NigelFarage

[@edwardh2f2]

Coutts’ reputation as an honest trustworthy banker has evaporated

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@michaelenglish2066]

this was hitlers point ...the banks have to much power and are trying to control people ..just pointing that point out

[@billyt9921]

Honest. Trustworthy. Banker. 😂

[@deanevans2505]

Honest, trustworthy banker is an oxymoron just like the expression, jumbo shrimp! lol. Nigel Farage is not exactly loved universally in the UK so I am guessing that this move by Courts has painted them in a favorable light to some corners of the UK population, therefore, you may be wrong in your assessment!

[@michaelenglish2066]

@@deanevans2505 does it mater if hes liked if his opinion is liked or not this ies why we cann never get rid of cash

[@barneyrubble9309]

They're not sorry for what they did They're sorry they got caught doing it !!

[@michaelenglish2066]

this was hitlers point ...the banks have to much power and are trying to control people ..just pointing that point out

[@Maviel85]

Exactly.

[@seandelap8587]

He should sue the bank for doing it in the first place

[@Maxi_1801]

​@Wildfox01O'Brien always gets it wrong. He has supported those who turned out to be liars.

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@michaelenglish2066]

this was hitlers point ...the banks have to much power and are trying to control people ..just pointing that point out

[@mannie7028]

Isabel said it right ...” so-called democracy “

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@janetspencer3682]

It is hard to defeat a man who is right..more power to Farage..back him up

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@michaelenglish2066]

this was hitlers point ...the banks have to much power and are trying to control people ..just pointing that point out

[@angeld3500]

Nigel definitely should sue coutts for libel….

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@1320613]

What’s happened is they have picked on the wrong person. Massive support for Nigel Farage in the UK, as always.

[@Michael020]

Exactly.... lots of bad press for the banks Apology my a*se...damage limitation

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@sbalmer132]

Did Coutts really think Nigel Farage would just roll over and accept this.Who decided on this is an idiot .

[@patriciaberry8936]

I'm in Texas, an Texans know how he was treated.

[@kelrogers8480]

That's a worrying statement. What when they close the account of a less popular person? No support?!

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

Starmer is a bigger liability than the CEO of Coutts.......no opinions, no values, no clue!

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Both as bad as each other

[@margaretfleming3554]

So they should apologise! How many others have been treated in this manner. This is frightening. The ‘bully’ picked on the wrong victim and well done Nigel for standing up to this.

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡 And anyone else the banks have treated so appallingly too! 😡

[@craigchurch63]

I think the bbc should apologise to nigel to

[@12235117657598502586]

Yep!

[@EvaWharehoka-dub44]

yes = and for sure, why was his private banking info being discussed in that way??? appalling

[@markh2355]

I won't hear it cancelled my licence

[@MsJoybird1]

Someone has to stand up to these corporations and institutions that are targeting people who do not agree with their ideology!

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Nigel just did.

[@jameshunter7303]

Give me a break, why is this woman defending Coutts? Did they offer to reopen NF’s account? Did they discuss his account with the BBC and lied to them for the reason they closed it? The CEO has apologised because she was made to. Thankfully this isn’t the end of it (much to that journalists obvious regret). Nigel has already confirmed he is taking this further, and no half-baked apology was going to stop that

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@andyniblock43]

She would fail a Polygraph.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Ex Sky News presenter, what do you expect !!

[@belindafrisenda4306]

GOOD ON NIGEL

[@evacsarhaku464]

Why isn’t there a client confidentiality regarding NF accounts? Leaking it to the BBC? Hmmm what next, the RF bank accounts being leaked? Unbelievable!

[@arobert2053]

In France everyone has a right to a bank account. If no bank agréés, a state bank gives you one.

[@tecnaman9097]

If it was a sincere apology Nigel would have been welcomed back to Coutts Bank with his old accounts reinstated. No such offer was made, so this apology is totally disingenuous. I would not accept it because the culprits at Coutts are walking away scot free. She's by implication prepared to let the Coutts decision stand!

[@PAS_2020]

Somebody leaked that document - and I am so relieved to know there are people with a conscience - that want the truth to be known.

[@mrh938]

No one leaked anything

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@Nickle314]

@@SpookyDjinn The story doing the rounds was the CEO had a dinner with the BBC journalist and leaked that they were screwing him over his bank account. The BBC went with it. Both the reporters and the CEO committed an offence.

[@PAS_2020]

No one leaked anything. Got it. The bank could have diverted the document to the shredder (laundered the documents) but somebody kept it - so somebody is on the side of truth. I could call it a “leak”.

[@shantibel]

Levi Belfield can marry in prison, but Nigel Farage isn't allowed a bank account? Something is rotten.

[@trebushett2079]

The apology letter is a total ROAD of BORROCKS.

[@defendliberty1289]

Good. Now time to reinstate his accounts.

[@anthonyford411]

'Doesn't reflect the view of the bank'?? Whose view does it reflect then?

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@OnkyoGrady]

Yeah if that was true then there would be a public firing or demoting of the employee that caused this scandal. If an exec gets a dwi that would happen, so the idea that this actual scandal doesn't qualify is absurd. The only reason not to address this as a personnel problem is if it isn't one, because that fired employee would be able to prove that what they did was expected of them and not a rogue action.

[@Cemti92]

Nigel Farage for Prime Minister!! Hes the best we have now!

[@ronhall9394]

Vanessa is wrong in saying Pub Landlords and shop owners etc can refuse to serve you just because of your views - that opens them to claims of discrimination etc. The rules apply to everyone, not just public owned banks.

[@ricardotomaso7069]

I don't believe 'political views' are one of the nine protected characteristics upon which a discrimination claim can be based. In that sense Vanessa is correct.

[@ronhall9394]

@@ricardotomaso7069 fair enough mate - I'll take your word for it. Although as an ordinary bloke I don't think it's right that any business or organisation can refuse to deal with me because I don't think like they do. I imagine the 'protected characteristics' do not protect the vast majority of the average bloke in the street but look after the more exotic elements.

[@ricardotomaso7069]

@@ronhall9394 Agree with your sentiments. Unfortunately the law only protects against discrimination on a limited range of issues (race, age, sex etc.).

[@kimberleygirl7533]

They are sorry they got caught. As a person who ran private business in a remote area, I dealt with all kinds, people who threatened me, people who were under the influence, people I just couldn’t stand on a personal level. At the end of it, if the majority of people are polite and just want their business transacted, I did it. Why would I not? It would only be if someone was violent or abusive that they would be removed, but then if they came back and were in order, they got their work done. Banks are even more so. It’s a shameful action. Monarchy, the public service, banks, and your normal businesses should stay out of politics.

[@archiebald4717]

All customers of NatWest should consider whether the bank is the safest place for their money. This story sounds like something discovered in the STAZI archive.

[@rainyday270]

Banks testing the water for when society goes cashless, then the boot can really come down.

[@beatricedi3366]

Coutts bank. Are getting worried. In regards of Mr Nigel. Farage Suing them. !

[@leewetherelt8925]

Would be brilliant if he sued them,won ,then they had to open up his bank account again to put his winnings in.

[@partlycloudy3519]

As an American im glad Nigel got his apology he should sue the bank

[@davidhudson391]

How can you trust a bank to do its best for you having expressed such an opinion?

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@DOCTORDROTT]

Chris Bryant started this, he should be sued by Nigel

[@michaelarchangel1163]

That mincing fairy hasn't the guts to smear anyone outside of Westminster's failsafe Parliamentary lockup. Farage would definitely sue if he blabbed his nonsense elsewhere.

[@fabiennemitchell2371]

Chris Bryant cannot be sued as his statement was made in Parliament and is protected as privileged.

[@12235117657598502586]

@@fabiennemitchell2371 Sadly you’re right.

[@edwardh2f2]

Still haven’t given his bank account back, canceled based on a scandalous slanderous lie. Time to threaten their bank licence and appoint administrators!!!

[@paulsmyth3580]

The limits are being pushed every day' hold the line

[@kevin982]

It's backing down because it was brought out to the public and they know they overstepped.

[@helenegan1079]

Others want be so lucky. If you dont have public exposure Farage has. FM, destroying peoples lives as were other banks who refused him accounts.

[@Cemti92]

We need new banks which are free speech !! We are with you on this - Nigel ( the father of brexit ) Start a new bank!! We will make that the best bank in the world!

[@brendagore1115]

They only offered him a current account but not a business account

[@DCND06]

Absolutely. Well said.

[@PAS_2020]

No matter what happens with Nigel Farage and Couts Bank, our civilization has stepped one step further into darkness. Yes, the PR was bad fo r this bank, but this has opened a Pandora’s box. It is going to happen again. The genie is out of the bottle and it can’t be put back in no matter with some apology. We the people, whether great or small, have suddenly become very vulnerable.

[@brianmegagorgeous]

Well done NIGEL 100% respect for exposing the underhanded filth everyone who banks with them should withdraw from them and any other associated business to do with them

[@eclectic_gamer]

"coutts is acknowledging something has gone wrong here". *Yes, they got caught*

[@christianmungo2342]

Totally agree this was completely wrong against Nigel .. BUT let’s not forget over 2-3 million ordinary U.K. citizens are barred from U.K. banking access ..!!! And Oakeshott is completely wrong .. in todays 21st century world where you cannot operate without a bank account .. it should be a “human right” ..

[@EvaWharehoka-dub44]

agree

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡… And same for anyone else who the banks have treated so appallingly! 😡

[@NickPenlee]

Any statement devoid of sincerity is NOT an apology. Rose will already have a scapegoat lined up in an effort to save her own corrupt backside!

[@equalitypeace1695]

We know more about Nigel’s bank account then Nigel does

[@ljr1977]

This closure of a fine person is horribly political! They should be fined for stance and sued for defamation.

[@alanbranfield614]

I hope they lose many many customers. When will it stop !!!! , just because you vote a different side to a bank manager, SHE HAS TO BE REMOVED

[@philipmilner9638]

What's the point of having a bank account where you're supposed to have one million pounds in your account at all times. If it goes bankrupt you're only entitled to 85 K back under bank compensation scheme.

[@Libertariun]

Good for the fat cat bankers, though, ain't it?

[@ThEShAfTsMaN]

The question should be why nobody in these banks what got bailed out did not do anytime in prison.

[@eiblinosiochain7306]

Why is she only making a statement now this has been in the news for weeks. You think she would have looked into this when it was first reported.

[@mothermary312]

An apology is not enough. No bank should have the ability to destroy any person, because their views are not in agreement with the communist approach of the Bank.

[@martin5504]

What about all the other peoples accounts they closed?

[@v.searcher]

So happy to see Mr. Farage receive support from good Brits.

[@patriciaberry8936]

Hahahaha, glad Nigel got back in the banks. He won. I posted it in the USA myself. That was uncalled for.

[@guitardee1]

No sympathy for Coutts. What is a bank doing judging their customers? They’ve been shown to be hypocrites

[@ryan.1990]

Nothing changes till the law changes

[@alexpalmer776]

Now they need to pay compensation, at least 100 million and the CEO must resign and forfeit all entitlements including shares for encouraging and allowing this discriminatory political behaviour to happen.

[@lynnedyer8714]

Isabel Oakeshott being extremely articulate and explaining the situation concisely and clearly as always. Mr. Starmer sitting on the fence showing what an indecisive and cowardly man he is as always. Potential prime minister? You must be joking.

[@lynnyoungman1280]

Too little too late, sack Alison Rose, she’s a disgrace. It’s discrimination to act in this manner

[@user-ix9wx6ms9v]

I am very glad that the bank has taken a positive step to resolve the problem. This must never ever again to anyone who voices his political views.

[@grahamlees3199]

would they have done this if the queen was still alive? seeing as the queen banked there

[@evacsarhaku464]

Whoever signed and approved the closure of his account should be fired.

[@jazzdub4958]

As UK citizens, we definitely are not entitled to what you would assume is a basic right. Once the Government, state police and corrupted watchdog institutions get involved in your past and current years of living life, you can find yourself on the sidelines very quickly and losing everything, including your bank account downgraded or even closed.

[@brendasmith1093]

She has offered apology but has not offered restoration of his a/c. Also a breach of data protection discussing his a/c with BBC. So a PR stunt and hope Nigel takes this further.

[@Artfoth61]

It would be very dangerous to close down opposition to Government as that would result in becoming a fascist state. These banks now have one hell of a task getting their reputation back over the next few years.

[@johnoneil4456]

Surely the very fact that Coutts only allow you to join their company if you have a certain amount of money is DISCRIMINATION

[@supapornchanchai4282]

Great news. Hopefully it will make banks treat their customers in a non political way.

[@zahrans]

Coutts have recognised? They 'recognised' only after Nigel Farage went public and this turned into a PR nightmare for the bank. If Farage didn't have a media platform, it would have been business as usual for those who run Coutts.

[@presidentxijinpingspoxdoct9756]

Just a shout out to those two Poms who had my back during the altercation with the anti-white racist, in the bar in Vietiane, Laos. The Aussie.

[@truth1013]

Tell us more I would love to hear the story

[@presidentxijinpingspoxdoct9756]

@@truth1013 Mouthy black South African calling white people racists..... I objected. His night did not end well.

[@chrisherne6454]

No. Sorry. Coutts did not apologise. Natwest Bank did. They offered a bank account in another bank as compensation and said nothing about his business accounts. Coutts has said nothing and done nothing. No retraction has so far been given by Coutts nor have they offered to rescind their abhorrent decision.

[@andyf10]

Coutts hasnt apologised..... NatWest has apologised. Its not the same. But now what? Does it extend to reopening the account?

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@clivemarriott7749]

As Mayar Tousie pointed out on a sit down with the Mog, yes they apologised quite extensively about their mistakes but they did not restore his accounts as they were. So how much is it really worth when the CEO of the bank goup can't tell Coutes to simply restore the accounts because they were closed in a way that is unacceptable and politically biased.

[@leslierowe8476]

Its not a private bank its part of nat west

[@garyhendrie4001]

NO, the government needs to ban the practice.

[@marywoolley-nb7ct]

I am so impressed with the three women journalists in this discussion. They give clear detailed information.

[@xt500fan]

he should still keep his coutt's account , why are they moving him to Nat West, this should be investigated.

[@bettytyrrell940]

The government should reinstate every cancelled account with all of the banks, providing the closing of the account was due to clients opinions rather than fraud or illegal transactions.

[@Talboy-d7g]

What's happening to England ?? Totally broken 💔 Nothing working Nothing left anymore Nothing exist UK sinking like the Titanic And don't bank on it Street wise TAL Ps . I have a time machine am going back 1960 Missing England ❤ Great happiness

[@gsam_dad5540]

This lady is a breath of fresh air from the squawking harridans that proliferate online these days, big kudos!

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Not good enough. Doesn't go far enough. Restore his and other people's bank accounts. Prevent it happening ever again.

[@Elizabeth-jd3mn]

Mahyer Tousi's chanel has just exposed Coutts Bank boss as a pro EU rejoiner!! Imagine our shock.

[@bensteel3944]

This should scare everyone not just in this country but around the world whether you like or dislike Farage. You could be next.

[@tomjones7593]

Is the lady at the head of Natwest/Coutts seriously suggesting that it is a co-incidence that she and the BBC 'business' wallah dined together (directly or indirectly) at the public expense the very night before the BBC broadcast -wholly inaccurately and without any checks - that Farage was 'too poor' for Coutts whereas in fact they had clearly discriminated against him and published 'facts/data' about a customer in breach of all proper business practice.? Both should walk immediately and if I still had a Natwest account it would be closed by me on Monday. Farage should sue and I hope that 'exemplary damages' are awarded.

[@Ms.Norths.Musings]

They should be investigated

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Isabel is brilliant and so classy. Tice punches above his weight!

[@sparkyinsertnamehere6673]

'Sir' Keir Starmer refusing to take a stand on this fundamental issue? Say it ain't so! Not that highly principled and noble politician? Has that other bunch of slimy chancers, the Lib Dems refused to chime in as well? The Tories have been pathetic too, all this has crept in on their watch.

[@pamelakrueger7353]

Outrageous!

[@glennhumphries9444]

These hypocrites remained silent and probably gloated when Tommy Robinson and Kate Hopkins received similar treatment years ago. The crocodile is starting to eat at the establishment.

[@gayemarshall5629]

Very informative and indeed shocking that something like this seems commonplace. Great job exposing all the details.

[@s.j.bluewater908]

Sack Dame Rose. Oh dear my bank account closed now??

[@belindafrisenda4306]

They picked on the wrong person...Nigel Farage will bring her down...stand with Nigel

[@helen677]

I would nest why they have done this? People closing accounts?

[@sallyraynor8984]

Vanessa is a great and impartial interviewer

[@lenwilkinson672]

All the best to Nigel Coutts have shown themselves up,The Royal Bank allowed the late Queen Mother a very large wink regarding her a/c. Bless her memory.

[@lesleycrowther-scott1809]

They should have their licence removed. The apology was tongue in cheek. What about every one else who had their accounts closed.

[@VK6AB-]

Suspend Coutts licence - this can be done immediately

[@carefulconsumer8682]

Kudos to Dame Allison for apologizing and offering opening an account for him again. In any case, I hope the thousands of other businesses whom banks have "unbanked" cost these banks $$$$ with letters and emails requesting info why their accounts were closed. Bankers obviously understand only one thing: when it hits their bottom line profits.

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@erinobrien8793]

They only offered a personal account NOT his business accounts. That is a problem. It solves half the problem but still punishes Farage.

[@helenwilliams6366]

The apology is a joke!

[@johnallison1362]

Great news!

[@GailPlatt]

Are Coutts really sorry about what happened or just sorry that they got found out?

[@ragnarrklangsrok1685]

In a society where you're forced to use a bank to receive payment for labour it HAS to be a right.

[@sheilagraham3674]

This is so scary!

[@Smannellites]

Perhaps Farage would like to apologise to all the Brits who have had their UK bank accounts closed because of Brexit? No, I thought not.

[@fortuner123]

Coutts CEO is in charge. She is part of the problem. If Coutts are really sorry then simply reinstate Farage's Coutts account. Starmer is a freckle licker.

[@12235117657598502586]

GOOD! COUTTS SHOULD ALSO COMPENSATE MR. FARAGE TOO! 😡

[@jedjones9047]

Starmer siding with coutts who'd have thought.

[@ValMartinIreland]

What is the position with Nigel's account now? I reckon he will not get his account back again. The new laws will be circumvented, no regulator works especially regulators for financial institutions.