I firmly oppose the withdrawal of free ATM services.

This issue of ATMs has two distinctive problems. The first is that free ATMs are valuable for local businesses and independent shops as a means of driving footfall through their premises and increasing passing trade.

The second is the impact on the consumer. In villages, free ATMs are a lifeline for people who need to access cash but do not wish, or are unable, to come into town to use banks. This has a direct impact on older and disabled people.

Moreover, introducing charges will have a regressive effect on working-class people, who often need to access cash in order to make it to the next pay day. They would be simply unable to bear the cost of additional bank charges to access their own money.

That is why I have raised this issue with the Government and will continue to campaign for free ATM services.