Scott brings HBOS campaign to Aberdeen (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Scott brings HBOS campaign to Aberdeen

November 20, 2008 4:01 PM

Nicol Stephen MSP, John Sleigh PPC and Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Tavish Scott Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott has taken his Lloyds TSB-HBOS campaign to the streets of Aberdeen. Our Aberdeen South Westminster candidate John Sleigh and local MSPs Nicol Stephen and Alison McInnes joined the Shetland MSP.

Speaking from the protest on Schoolhill John Sleigh said: "What I am concerned about is the service for the people of Aberdeen. There are 26 Lloyds TSB and HBOS branches in the city. It seems unlikely they there will be that number if the takeover goes ahead."

The event was a chance to explain the impact of the proposals to the public. Leaflets and posters helped to get the message across.

Aberdeen South MSP Nicol Stephen said: "The response from the public has been great. It is clear that the people of Aberdeen want to retain an independent Scottish bank providing jobs in the city."

Tavish Scott plans to continue his campaign across the country to highlight the pitfalls of the Lloyds TBS takeover.

Scott said: "Merger with Lloyds TSB was a plan for a very different world. It was devised before the taxpayer stepped into UK banking with billions of pounds of investment.

"Devastating job losses, branch closures and an end to healthy competition do not represent value for taxpayers' money.

"A rival bid might give a better option to shareholders, could keep HBOS independent and may go some way to limit the harm to customers that was highlighted by the Office of Fair Trading report.

"That is why the Liberal Democrats in Westminster and Holyrood are campaigning for a level playing field for any other rival bids to the Lloyds takeover of HBOS."