AN OXFORDSHIRE MP has called on banks to step up and support businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

During Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon, Witney MP Robert Courts said he had received reports from local businesses struggling to receive credit from banks when applying through the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme.

Contributing virtually from his home in Bladon, Mr Courts said: “As the nation makes sacrifices unheard of in peacetime, it is time for the banks to do their bit.”

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Speaking after his question this afternoon, Mr Courts added: “There is no excuse for banks currently making the application process unnecessarily complex and thereby delaying – or worse still preventing – vital credit getting out the door.

“The Government has pulled out all the stops to support businesses through this crisis and it is now time for banks to do their bit.

“I would encourage any local business that is experiencing difficulties with their bank at this time to contact me and I will be keen to take up their case.”