Closure of HSBC's Welsh-speaking customer service line

That this House expresses its huge disappointment regarding HSBC's decision to axe their Welsh language telephone service which, for many of their customers, is not a choice, but a necessity; notes that many areas, especially rural ones, have already been dealt the blow of restricted cash services and closed bank branches, and that the closure of the bank’s Welsh language service is another significant blow; is particularly concerned for elderly customers without access to digital technology; argues that the bank’s promises to arrange a call back in Welsh, within three working days not only displays insensitivity to the financial pressures facing people, but is also dangerous; highlights that accessing banking services in the Welsh language is not just a choice, but a right provided by the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language Measure 2011; and calls on HSBC to reverse this decision and move towards active promotion of Welsh language services across its business.