Lib Dem conference: Simon Hughes on 'racist' banks

Banks "have failed us and tarnished the reputation of Britain" claimed the Liberal Democrat deputy leader and he alleged some in his inner-London constituency have made "racist decisions".

Simon Hughes told his party conference he had often seen banks say yes to a "well-established white individual" but would turn down someone from a minority community or black business person who had a better financial reputation.

He recalled how banking used to be a "respected British profession" and called for change as the party held an emergency debate.