Nigel Farage claims household had accounts rejected
N
igel Farage on Thursday claimed that “several” members of his household had been rejected as financial institution clients because the row over the closure of his unique Coutts account grew.
The former Ukip chief stated he had been handled “with contempt” when the private bank closed his account.
He obtained a dossier from Coutts, utilizing a topic entry request, which recommended the choice was partly right down to his political opinions and perceptions that he was “xenophobic and racist”.
The Government is now reportedly drawing up free speech plans that would see banks lose their licences in the event that they blacklist clients with controversial views.
Mr Farage welcomed the proposals and obtained the backing of a number of Tory MPs, together with Rishi Sunak who stated “no one should be barred from using basic services for their political views”.
Mr Farage stated: “Refusal to open (bank accounts) and closures have happened to several members of my family. Which is perhaps, above all, what has made me angry, really angry.
“If it’s now going to have a huge effect on your family and close friends, why would anybody of any calibre want to go into public life in our country?”
Coutts stated that its capability to reply to the allegations was restricted by consumer confidentiality. “Decisions to close accounts are not taken lightly and take into account a number of factors, including … reputational considerations,” it added.