Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Plaid Cymru has called on HSBC to reverse their decision to cut it’s Welsh language telephone service.

Politicians were informed of the bank's decision by letter on Wednesday morning, November 8.

In response to the decision, Plaid Cymru submitted an urgent question to the Welsh Government in the Senedd, urgently contacted the Welsh Language Commissioner, and requested an urgent meeting with HSBC in Westminster.

Responding, Plaid Cymru's Welsh language spokesperson, Heledd Fychan MS, and Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson, Ben Lake MP, said:

“HSBC's decision to axe their Welsh language telephone service is a huge disappointment. The service, for many of their customers, is a vital resource.

“We are seeing a large number of their high-street banks closing, cash services being restricted, and now this Welsh language service being abolished.

“Many customers use HSBC because of its Welsh language phone service, and it is true to say that the bank has not done enough to promote it.

“This is a big blow to their customers in Wales especially their older customers, and those who don't have access to digital technology. The bank's pledge to 'arrange a call back in Welsh, within 3 working days' is not only insensitive to the financial pressures some people will face, this is dangerous.

“For many, accessing their bank through Welsh is not a 'choice'. They say they 'have confirmed that all customers can bank in English.' This is not true. HSBC now needs to reverse this decision, and move towards promoting Welsh-medium services.”