Turns out – Nigel Farage was cancelled by Coutts (not HSBC) because he was branded racist for liking a Ricky Gervais joke and being friendly with Novak Djokovic
From here:
Seems like your bank can choose your friends!
“The 40-page file shows that the bank cited his retweet of a Ricky Gervais joke and his friendship with Novak Djokovic to raise concerns he was 'xenophobic and racist'.
The extraordinary documents obtained by the former Ukip leader and handed to MailOnline revealed the 331-year-old bank decided to 'exit' him after making reference to his friendship with former Wimbledon champion Djokovic.”
“The officials noted that closing his accounts could not be justified on the basis of his wealth as his 'economic contribution' was 'sufficient to retain on a commercial basis'.
But the minutes state: 'The Committee did not think continuing to bank NF was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation.'”
There is little difference between exclusion on bigoted ground and inclusion on bigoted grounds. Both involve active discrimination – one negative discrimination the other positive. Both are immoral and wrong.
“Among other swipes in the bank's hatchet job on Mr Farage:
His calls for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights were listed as an example of 'adverse press';
The dossier also raises concerns about Mr Farage's backing for Donald Trump, saying he 'continues to support Trump despite the many new legal issues he faces'. But it warns that using this as a basis for ending the banking relationship would be seen as 'taking sides on this debate';
The assessment says Mr Farage has been 'professional' in his relations with the bank, but adds of his public views: 'These remarks are distasteful & appear increasingly out of touch with wider society.'
At one point the dossier records that Mr Farage is 'at best' seen as 'xenophobic and pandering to racists, and at worst, he is seen as xenophobic and racist'. 'He is considered by many to be a disingenuous grifter,' it adds.
Well, a business can choose its customers, provided it makes its stance clear. Perhaps customers that remain with Coutts are just as bigoted as Coutts.
Onwards
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Clearly, the laws must be changed to treat Banks like public utilities who are not allowed to pick and choose customers.
"Wokeness is just being kind lol. Stop worrying lol."
Tyrants.