So let's unpack this. The BBC was fed information from what it considered a "reliable" source, NatWest's CEO, which was, according to news reports I've heard this morning, was checked and confirmed to be correct with NatWest's board. It has subsequently apologised to Mr F because it was given disinformation (I use that term as the directors of NatWest must have known this was bad information). I think the BBC has acted more honourably than some of the papers criticising it that attempt to bury their apologies when their misreporting is found out?The NW CEO has gone; perhaps some other board members should go too if they backed her story? Anyway, presumably Mr F can, if he desires, now seek redress from Coutts bank concerning the breach in confidentiality. The banks to seem to be taking a strong line with politically exposed persons. Is it to avoid the extra monitoring involved? Are they worried their processes are so poor they might risk infringing anti money laundering and corruption laws? A good thing if the treasury, FCA, PRA, etc get the banks to treat everyone fairly. I suspect further action concerning this will be expedited as being a politically exposed person affects politicians of all parties. Interesting that the forner head of the UK Banking Association, Angela Knight, was saying on the R4 this morning that there is already a right to have a basic banking account unless ones been banned for something like money laundering (and perhaps abusing bank staff?), but that might not be the type of bank account some want. Privatisation of the Post Office was also raised as an issue by Mr F; the PO Giro bank was apparently absorbed into the Alliance and Leicester Bank.Of course none of the will help UK expats living in the EU who've had UK bank accounts shut because they have no UK address and it's now too difficult for UK banks to have EU retain customers because of Johnson/Frost's poor withdrawal agreement.With regards to the Moroccan team interview, I'd say the BBC reporter asked a valid question but to the wrong person; it should perhaps be addressed to the Moroccan sports authorities?
Michael Ixer ● 1201d