LOCAL MP Patricia Gibson has called on Tory MPs to “stop whingeing and start acting” on RBS branch closures after the UK Government ‘again refused to do anything to prevent the mass closures.’

Following a campaign with widespread community support, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP held talks with RBS senior management who then announced a reprieve for 10 of the most remote bank branches across Scotland.

The SNP welcomed the progress but pledged to continue campaigning to save the remaining 52 underthreat branches in Scotland and 197 in the rest of the UK.

Patricia Gibson MP, who is the SNP Consumer Affairs spokesperson, has written to the 13 Tory MPs in Scotland to put pressure on their government to intervene, and save the other branches.

The taxpayer owns 72.9 per cent of RBS, after shelling out £45,000 million to bail out the bank a decade ago.

Mr Blackford raised the issue for the fourth time at Prime Ministers Questions, but the Prime Minister yet again ruled out action.

Commenting, Mrs Gibson said: “The Tory Government has the power and responsibility to intervene, and prevent vital local branches in Kilbirnie, Kilwinning, Saltcoats and across the UK from closing. They are letting Scotland down by repeatedly refusing to do anything.

“After huge pressure from the SNP and community campaigners, RBS announced a reprieve for ten branches but the fight to save the remaining banks continues.

“It is time for Tory MPs to stop whingeing and start acting. So far, their actions have not matched their words. They complain of closures but have failed to put any pressure on their own Government to act. At some point they must take responsibility. 

“These banks are hugely important to communities across Scotland and the UK, with local people and businesses set to lose out if the Government continues to dismiss their concerns, and let RBS off the hook.

“The SNP will keep up the pressure and use every avenue possible.”