Scott calls for First Minister to vote against HBOS merger motion in Commons (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Scott calls for First Minister to vote against HBOS merger motion in Commons

October 22, 2008 4:05 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Speaking ahead of a vote in the House of Commons on a motion which would allow the merger of Lloyds TSB and HBoS to go ahead, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said:

"Alex Salmond's personal u-turn on the Lloyds/HBoS merger at the weekend is very welcome. It is good that he is prepared to admit that his previous position was wrong.

"It would be equally welcome if, as a member of the House of Commons, he were to join my Liberal Democrat colleagues this evening and vote against the motion which paves the way for the HBoS merger.

"This vote offers Scottish MPs the chance to force the Government to explain why a super bank like this is in the longer-term interests of Scottish consumers and the Scottish financial services sector.

"An independent HBoS would be good news for Scottish jobs and good news for the Scottish economy. As a Scottish MP the First Minister has an opportunity and a duty to send that message this evening."

Earlier, Shadow Scotland Secretary Alistair Carmichael had announced that Liberal Democrats would vote against the motion tonight:

"We were all prepared to support this takeover deal when it was the only show in town. But this is no longer the case.

"The Government has to explain why a superbank like this is in the longer-term interests of Scottish consumers and the Scottish financial services sector."