Nigel Farage on Thursday claimed that “several” members of his family had been rejected as bank customers as the row over the closure of his exclusive Coutts account grew.
The former Ukip leader said he had been treated “with contempt” when the private bank closed his account.
He obtained a dossier from Coutts, using a subject access request, which suggested the decision was partly down to his political views and perceptions that he was “xenophobic and racist”.
The Government is now reportedly drawing up free speech plans that could see banks lose their licences if they blacklist customers with controversial views.
Mr Farage welcomed the proposals and received the backing of several Tory MPs, including Rishi Sunak who said “no one should be barred from using basic services for their political views”.
Mr Farage said: “Refusal to open (bank accounts) and closures have happened to several members of my family. Which is perhaps, above all, what has made me angry, really angry.
“If it’s now going to have a huge effect on your family and close friends, why would anybody of any calibre want to go into public life in our country?”
Coutts said that its ability to respond to the allegations was restricted by client confidentiality. “Decisions to close accounts are not taken lightly and take into account a number of factors, including … reputational considerations,” it added.
