Freedom of speech ref Nigel Farage's bank accounts

[Branton Red]

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right and a key facet of democracy.

Voltaire "I wholly disapprove of what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it”

Einstein "laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man may present his views without penalty there must be a spirit of tolerance in the entire population."

That "spirit of tolerance" should apply to the "entire" population including the corporate world and banking industry.

Is society losing that "spirit of tolerance" in how it treats people with whom many "wholly dissaprove" of what they say?

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

The Farage (who imo is a bellend but still) saga on this is downright dangerous I think.  Banking shouldn't take simple political views in to consideration really.  What's next and where's the line?

[Glyn_Wigley]

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

[BillyStubbsTears]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released? Because all I've seen is selective claims about what it says by him and the Telegraph.

If it was the slam dunk that they say it us, you'd think they'd publish the whole thing, no?

Given that Farage hasn't published it, and that he and the Telegraph have reputations as long as your arm for being economical with the truth, I think we'd be well advised to stay healthily sceptical.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Think carefully about the language here.

https://twitter.com/Telegraph/status/1681419511491362820

Account was closed "after" they said that. Not "because" they said that.

[Branton Red]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

[Branton Red]

The Farage (who imo is a bellend but still) saga on this is downright dangerous I think.  Banking shouldn't take simple political views in to consideration really.  What's next and where's the line?

Exactly can any bank be allowed to close anyone's account on the back of their politics?

Should supermarkets bar people for shopping with them due to their political views?

Can solicitors refuse to represent people due to disagreeing with their opinions - so reducing/making more difficult access to justice?

This is setting a very dangerous precedent for our freedoms.

[DRFC_AjA]

Oh also if you believe in basic biology or religion your account is cancelled, see the vicar whose account was closed by Yorkshire building Society

Excellent article here but the best quote.... "After decades in bed with money launderers, swindlers and sub-prime lenders, who’d have thought it would be a retired vicar from the Lake District that would prick the banking industry into developing a social conscience?"


https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/banks-would-be-better-off-cancelling-parts-of-their-own-culture-first-david-behrens-4208963
 

[Glyn_Wigley]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

My apologies, I wasn't aware of this document when I replied.

However, if you're going to quoye the phrase "on a commercial basis" as meaning there was no political basis to back a decision, I presume you'd agree with what it says on page 1, that they would refuse to renew the mortgage "on a commercial basis" as meaning that wasn't done on a political basis either?

[Glyn_Wigley]

The Farage (who imo is a bellend but still) saga on this is downright dangerous I think.  Banking shouldn't take simple political views in to consideration really.  What's next and where's the line?

Exactly can any bank be allowed to close anyone's account on the back of their politics?

Should supermarkets bar people for shopping with them due to their political views?

Can solicitors refuse to represent people due to disagreeing with their opinions - so reducing/making more difficult access to justice?

This is setting a very dangerous precedent for our freedoms.

It's not a precedent at all. Businesses have been free to decide who they want to do business with for years. You can't force them to unless there is anti-discrimination legislation in place for certain circumstances. Just try to open a new bank account when you're on benefits and you'll find that out for yourself.

Did those companies who refused to deal with Apartheid-era South African companies suppress anyone's Freedom Of Speech as your OP seems to say that you think Coutt's are doing to Farage? As far as I know Farage is still completely free to say whatever he wants and continues to do so regardless of what Coutts do.

[i_ateallthepies]

The Co-operative bank have an ethical banking policy that is available for anyone to read and explicitly details trading activities that they will not allow their money to be invested in.  There is nothing improper in that and it in no way impedes anyone's ability to speak as they wish.
In that regard, Coutt's bank is doing nothing different.  They aren't gagging Farage, and as far as I am concerned the willingness to allow ethical values to shape your business policies is something to be applauded.

[DRFC_AjA]

The Co-operative bank have an ethical banking policy that is available for anyone to read and explicitly details trading activities that they will not allow their money to be invested in.  There is nothing improper in that and it in no way impedes anyone's ability to speak as they wish.
In that regard, Coutt's bank is doing nothing different.  They aren't gagging Farage, and as far as I am concerned the willingness to allow ethical values to shape your business policies is something to be applauded.

It's totally different. Coop and probably Coutts won't deal with business who are manufacturing arms etc, probably won't deal with anyone or group who is explicitly homophobic. That's totally different to what's going on here. Farrge liked a tweet from Gervais and also supported Djokovic anti vac stance. These have been explicitly written as amongst the reasons

You don't get it do you. These rosy little do good businesses who paint their pretty rainbows everywhere only once a month.... yet use child sweat shops and do business with China who persecute Muslims... Are having the nerve to tell you what you should and shouldn't think and telling you what's ethical. It's laughable

[BillyStubbsTears]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

[ncRover]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

Would you want to live in a world where your custom can be refused based on your political views?

[BillyStubbsTears]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

[Glyn_Wigley]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

Would you want to live in a world where your custom can be refused based on your political views?

About as much as I'd want to live in a world where I'd be forced to have dealings with someone I don't want to deal with.

[DRFC_AjA]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

Would you want to live in a world where your custom can be refused based on your political views?

About as much as I'd want to live in a world where I'd be forced to have dealings with someone I don't want to deal with.

You already do live in that world, see the family run bakery who were sued and hounded because they didn't want to make a cake for a gay wedding based on their religious values. It's one way traffic, comply with the views of the regime or get cancelled

[BillyStubbsTears]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

Would you want to live in a world where your custom can be refused based on your political views?

About as much as I'd want to live in a world where I'd be forced to have dealings with someone I don't want to deal with.

You already do live in that world, see the family run bakery who were sued and hounded because they didn't want to make a cake for a gay wedding based on their religious values. It's one way traffic, comply with the views of the regime or get cancelled

Much better in the days when landlords would put up "No Dogs, No Irish, No Blacks" signs in the window, no?

[Iberian Red]

Has this report that Farage claims vindicates him actually been released?

Yes here it is

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12314423/The-Coutts-Farage-dossier-bank-admitted-ex-Ukip-leader-DID-meet-commercial-criteria-used-tweet-Ricky-Gervais-trans-joke-Novak-Djokovic-ties-decide-odds-position-inclusive-organisation.html

Knock yourself out

What has all that waffle got to do with Farage's bank account? It was closed because he didn't have enough money in it required to keep it open. Or are you swallowing Farage's cancel culture gobshitery?

Glyn

See page 3 of the report attached above "the client's EC (Economic Contribution) is now sufficient to retain on a commercial basis"

Page 1 "The Committee did not think continuing banking NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation."

Coutts appear to have briefed the BBC on the 'lack of money' line after the story first broke. The documentation of the reasons for their decision show this to have been a lie. Notwithstanding breaking GDPR and client confidentiality.

Like Billy I was sceptical when the story broke. I've only commented on this after Coutts reasoning has been published. You on the other hand appear to have swallowed Coutts face-saving excuse making at face value.

Care to re-read and comment on my 'waffle' in light of the actual facts?

Thanks for that Branton.

May I refer you to page 39 and ask what is wrong with a company making that decision?

Would you want to live in a world where your custom can be refused based on your political views?

About as much as I'd want to live in a world where I'd be forced to have dealings with someone I don't want to deal with.

You already do live in that world, see the family run bakery who were sued and hounded because they didn't want to make a cake for a gay wedding based on their religious values. It's one way traffic, comply with the views of the regime or get cancelled

I'd prefer we just cancelled Farage for being xenophobic and stoking up the country with his false claims.

[i_ateallthepies]

The Co-operative bank have an ethical banking policy that is available for anyone to read and explicitly details trading activities that they will not allow their money to be invested in.  There is nothing improper in that and it in no way impedes anyone's ability to speak as they wish.
In that regard, Coutt's bank is doing nothing different.  They aren't gagging Farage, and as far as I am concerned the willingness to allow ethical values to shape your business policies is something to be applauded.

It's totally different. Coop and probably Coutts won't deal with business who are manufacturing arms etc, probably won't deal with anyone or group who is explicitly homophobic. That's totally different to what's going on here. Farrge liked a tweet from Gervais and also supported Djokovic anti vac stance. These have been explicitly written as amongst the reasons

You don't get it do you. These rosy little do good businesses who paint their pretty rainbows everywhere only once a month.... yet use child sweat shops and do business with China who persecute Muslims... Are having the nerve to tell you what you should and shouldn't think and telling you what's ethical. It's laughable

Read the title of this thread, AjA, then you may see who between us isn't getting it.

[TonySoprano]

Very disconcerting this how a bank can unilaterally do this.
But I do fear it will become the norm, especially when we go to a cashless society.

Speak out against the prevailing agenda? Bam ! Chip turned off until you behave.

Scary precedent

[BillyStubbsTears]

Very disconcerting this how a bank can unilaterally do this.
But I do fear it will become the norm, especially when we go to a cashless society.

Speak out against the prevailing agenda? Bam ! Chip turned off until you behave.

Scary precedent

A quite bizarre reading of the situation.

He's been offered an account with the Nat West parent company.

It'd really help discussing this if folk would focus on the facts of what has happened, rather than extrapolate it into this sort of nonsense.

He HASN'T been chucked into bank-less penury because of his beliefs. A private and very exclusive bank has taken the decision that there is a reputational risk associated with how he acts in public, in particular (read the report - the great majority of it focuses on this) the extent of his links with an enemy state with whom we are currently de facto at war. They've decided, on balance, that he's not rich enough and profitable enough to them to balance out the potential risk to their reputation that goes with him.

And their parent company has offered him another account with a less exclusive bank.

[Colin C No.3]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

Was it REALLY necessary in your post to mention that you graduated top of your year?

For the record, I have a ‘Cycling Efficiency’ award & a swimming certificate for ‘Completing a full width’ at St.James’ swimming baths.

They may be displayed above the mantelpiece but I would NEVER use them to ‘big myself up’ on this forum.

A slice of humble pie wouldn’t come amiss for you me thinks.

[ncRover]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

Look I think Farage is a horrible man. There are lots of horrible people. But I don’t think that means they a fair game to have their bank accounts closed down.

Yes free market, companies can do what they please but this shouldn’t be apologised for or encouraged or else it becomes a bit of a slippery slope.

I would guess that your active role in that politics was more relevant to the role you were applying for? Was it in business? That’s a bit different.

What “shit” were they getting for being associated with him? Why would anyone know who NF’s bank was?

Has George Galloway had his bank account closed down for being pro-Russia? Or maybe next it will be someone like Corbyn for being “controversial”.

[Iberian Red]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

Was it REALLY necessary in your post to mention that you graduated top of your year?

For the record, I have a ‘Cycling Efficiency’ award & a swimming certificate for ‘Completing a full width’ at St.James’ swimming baths.

They may be displayed above the mantelpiece but I would NEVER use them to ‘big myself up’ on this forum.

A slice of humble pie wouldn’t come amiss for you me thinks.

This thread isn't about cycling thro cones,or paddling from one side of the pool to the other without filling your trunks.
Maybe if it was,your point would be valid.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

Was it REALLY necessary in your post to mention that you graduated top of your year?

For the record, I have a ‘Cycling Efficiency’ award & a swimming certificate for ‘Completing a full width’ at St.James’ swimming baths.

They may be displayed above the mantelpiece but I would NEVER use them to ‘big myself up’ on this forum.

A slice of humble pie wouldn’t come amiss for you me thinks.

I'm not bigging myself up. If you choose to read it that way, that's your lookout.

I'm pointing out how unusual it was that the one company who rejected me without an interview was a key player in the Economic League. I thought that was bleeding obvious, but I guess you can't control the approach that other people bring to these discussions.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

It would be interesting to see it tested in court. Its questionable at best.

What are we saying next, sorry you might have a few quid but you don't like Boris Johnson so you can't fly business class on our flight?  That's not too different.  I'm not sure not aligning politically is justification if he meets the financial parameters.

[BillyStubbsTears]

NC.

I've no idea what shit Coutts were or were not getting. All I've done is read the report that you kindly linked to. They were clearly concerned about some of Farage's outbursts affecting their reputation.

I suspect their concern was not about what thee or me thought about them, but about what their wealthy clients thought.

They were also particularly concerned about Farage's possible financial links with an enemy state. I suspect there was a concern that they might find themselves  in a bit of bother legally if it did ever turn out that Farage was a Kremlin asset.

[Filo]

Nc.

That is not what this is about. That is what it is being set up as. But read that p39 and have a think.

Since you ask about me, I'll tell you a little story about my experience.

I was heavily involved in left wing politics as a student. I was also a very good student. Graduated top of my year.

I applied for 7 jobs. Got interviews with 6 companies and every one of them offered me a job, all of them with very attractive salaries.

One company rejected me without interview. They were a member of the Economic League (look it up).

That's what happens in a free market economy. Companies have a certain amount of freedom to choose with whom they want to do business. In this case, Coutts, having carefully assessed the numerous controversies that Faragechas deliberately whipped up, decided that he wasn't giving them enough business to compensate for the shit they got by being associated with him.

Was it REALLY necessary in your post to mention that you graduated top of your year?

For the record, I have a ‘Cycling Efficiency’ award & a swimming certificate for ‘Completing a full width’ at St.James’ swimming baths.

They may be displayed above the mantelpiece but I would NEVER use them to ‘big myself up’ on this forum.

A slice of humble pie wouldn’t come amiss for you me thinks.

I’d expect a 7 year old to have those awards on display above the mantelpiece, but an adult wow!

[TonySoprano]

Very disconcerting this how a bank can unilaterally do this.
But I do fear it will become the norm, especially when we go to a cashless society.

Speak out against the prevailing agenda? Bam ! Chip turned off until you behave.

Scary precedent

A quite bizarre reading of the situation.

He's been offered an account with the Nat West parent company.

It'd really help discussing this if folk would focus on the facts of what has happened, rather than extrapolate it into this sort of nonsense.

He HASN'T been chucked into bank-less penury because of his beliefs. A private and very exclusive bank has taken the decision that there is a reputational risk associated with how he acts in public, in particular (read the report - the great majority of it focuses on this) the extent of his links with an enemy state with whom we are currently de facto at war. They've decided, on balance, that he's not rich enough and profitable enough to them to balance out the potential risk to their reputation that goes with him.

And their parent company has offered him another account with a less exclusive bank.

Not as bizarre as the bank taking the decision to unilaterally disregard free speech and kick him out because he upsets a few lefty snowflakes.
It will come out in the wash, why they have done it, and then it's going to get sketchy, I suspect powerful left leaning shareholders and people in positions of power have leant on the bank.

Something tells me that if Jeremy corbyn was booted out, a few on here wouldn't be as quick to defend the bank.

It applies to both right and left here, if the woke agenda suddenly swings the opposite way then far left people would equally be in trouble.
The issue is how they are able to do this to people, just because they go against the prevailing agenda.