Commenting as the HBOS / Lloyds TSB deal is considered by the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Tavish Scott Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said:

“As their takeover reaches the final stage, Lloyds’ bosses must come clean about how many jobs will go in Scotland as a result.

“Today, the Prime Minister is holding talks about measures to safeguard jobs during the recession. Yet, his government refused to step in and save HBOS, thousands of banking jobs and competition on the high street.

“This deal is bad news for jobs and competition in Scotland.

“Scottish customers and businesses will face higher bank charges and the country faces an exodus of skilled financial workers.”