Salmond must come off the fence and show support for HBoS independence - Carmichael (Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Salmond must come off the fence and show support for HBoS independence - Carmichael

October 16, 2008 3:17 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael today challenged Alex Salmond to demonstrate his support for HBoS remaining an independent bank by signing a Westminster motion on the issue.

Alistair Carmichael has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for Government support to enable HBoS to remain independent, now that the UK Bank Reconstruction Fund has made this a realistic alternative to the proposed merger with Lloyds TSB.

He has written to the Alex Salmond asking him to sign the Westminster motion, which has the same terms as the Holyrood motion of SNP MSP Alex Neil.

Commenting, Alistair Carmichael said:

"Unlike a substantial number of his own MSPs, Alex Salmond has not signed Alex Neil's motion - as First Minister, you would not expect him to.

"However, my motion is identical in its terms, and there is no barrier to Mr Salmond signing it. He regularly signs Early Day Motions at

Westminster.

"This is an opportunity for Alex Salmond to come off the fence and demonstrate his support for HBoS remaining an independent bank. This is something which would be good for the Scottish financial sector and Scottish banking customers."