The BBC has apologised to Nigel Farage after reporting inaccurately about the closure of his Coutts bank account. On 4 July, the BBC reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that Mr Farage's account was closed because he no longer met the financial requirements. However, Mr Farage later obtained a Coutts document showing his political views were also considered.
Mr Farage said he accepted the apologies from BBC News CEO Deborah Turness and business editor Simon Jack 'with good grace', but stressed that questions remain for Coutts. He noted that he had to go to 'very great lengths and great personal damage' to correct the misinformation.
Simon Jack tweeted his apology, stating his story came from a 'trusted and senior source' but the information turned out to be 'incomplete and inaccurate'. Mr Farage suggested the source may have been 'very senior'. The BBC updated its original article on 21 July to acknowledge it had 'not been accurate'.
The 40-page document obtained by Mr Farage flagged concerns that he was 'xenophobic and racist' and raised reputational risks. NatWest Group CEO Dame Alison Rose apologised for the 'deeply inappropriate' comments and commissioned a review of Coutts' account closure processes. Mr Farage has called for her to be questioned by MPs.
Mr Farage has submitted a subject access request to NatWest and raised his case with the Information Commissioner's Office. The Treasury has called a meeting with bank bosses over account closures following the row.
