Jeremy Hunt requests inquiry into ‘debanking’ of politicians

‘The Financial Conduct Authority have the right to fine banks very large sums of money if they find this practice is widespread,’ the chancellor said. Photograph: James Manning/PA

Jeremy Hunt has asked the financial regulator to urgently investigate whether banks are barring politicians from accounts on a “widespread” basis, after Nigel Farage had his account shut down by private bank Coutts.

The chancellor said everyone must be able to express their opinions and people must have access to banking.