Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is exploring the possibility of filing criminal charges against NatWest Group following the closure of his Coutts bank account, which he claims was unjustly influenced by his political views.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is contemplating filing criminal charges against the Natwest banking group for what he describes as “debanking” him. Reports indicate that Farage views this issue as “unfinished business.” The consideration of legal action follows a significant controversy that erupted in June 2023 when Coutts, a private bank that is part of the Natwest Group and ranks as the eighth oldest bank globally, closed Farage’s account.
The bank’s decision was publicly justified on the grounds that Farage did not meet eligibility criteria once his mortgage expired. However, it has since emerged that Coutts had prepared a 40-page dossier detailing their concerns about the reputational risks associated with being linked to Farage. This report claimed that Farage’s views were incompatible with the bank’s positioning as an inclusive institution. The file included references to Farage’s retweet of a joke by Ricky Gervais and his friendship with tennis star Novak Djokovic, which were cited to portray him as potentially “xenophobic and racist.”
The incident prompted significant fallout in the banking sector. Dame Alison Rose, the then-CEO of NatWest, resigned after admitting that she had discussed the specifics of Farage’s banking situation with a journalist from the BBC. In her conversation with the media outlet, she inaccurately stated that Farage’s accounts were closed due to insufficient funds. Following the wave of scrutiny, she extended an apology to Farage, and the bank subsequently made an effort to reinstate his account. Peter Flavel, the former CEO of Coutts, also stepped down, acknowledging that the bank’s treatment of Farage did not meet their standards of personal service.
In a recent interview with Sky News, Farage confirmed that he has sought legal counsel to examine the feasibility of pursuing a private criminal case against Natwest, stating, “This is unfinished business.” His legal representation, Grosvenor Law, has begun investigating potential criminal implications of the bank’s actions. Dan Morrison, a partner at the firm, added that Farage is “concerned about possible criminal issues arising out of the bank’s conduct” and mentioned that they have taken the step to instruct leading criminal counsel but declined to provide specific details at this time.
In response to the ongoing legal considerations, a spokesperson for NatWest Group indicated that the bank does not comment on matters concerning individual customers. As the investigation unfolds, it continues to highlight the complexities associated with issues of banking, reputation, and the political landscape in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/13/nigel-farage-criminal-proceedings-natwest-debanking/ – This article supports the claim that Nigel Farage is considering bringing criminal proceedings against NatWest over the debanking issue, which he views as ‘unfinished business.’ It also mentions that a 40-page dossier assessed Farage’s views as incompatible with Coutts.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aELbewXhfpU – This video discusses Nigel Farage’s legal fight against NatWest, including his intention to seek millions in damages due to the debanking scandal that damaged his reputation.
- https://news.sky.com/story/farage-explores-criminal-claim-over-natwest-debanking-13308718 – This article corroborates Farage’s exploration of a criminal claim against NatWest and mentions that Grosvenor Law is investigating potential criminal issues arising from the bank’s conduct.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source provides the initial context for the article, although it does not directly support specific claims without further details.
- https://www.mass.gov/guide-to-evidence/article-xi-miscellaneous – While not directly related to Farage’s case, this guide provides general information on legal proceedings and evidence, which can be relevant to understanding the legal context of Farage’s actions.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references events from June 2023, indicating recent developments. However, it does not mention any very recent updates beyond that timeframe.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Nigel Farage about ‘unfinished business’ could not be verified as the earliest known reference online. It appears to be a recent statement but lacks specific sourcing.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication. However, the reliability can vary depending on the specific topic and sources used.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Nigel Farage and NatWest are plausible given the context of recent controversies and the involvement of high-profile figures. The narrative aligns with known events and reactions in the banking sector.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on recent events and includes plausible claims about Nigel Farage’s legal considerations against NatWest. While some quotes lack specific sourcing, the overall context and reliability of the source support the narrative’s credibility.
