The UK government has concluded its ownership of NatWest Group, selling its last shares after a 17-year journey that began with a £45 billion taxpayer bailout due to the 2008 financial crisis. While full privatisation marks a historic transition for the former Royal Bank of Scotland, it resulted in a £10 billion loss for taxpayers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the initial decision to intervene as essential for protecting the economy, leading to a significant moment as the government exits all banks it rescued during the crisis.
The UK has officially sold its final shares in NatWest Group, concluding 17 years of state ownership post the £45 billion taxpayer bailout following the 2008 financial crisis.
The full privatisation of NatWest represents a symbolic moment in its 300-year history, ending a tumultuous chapter yet resulting in a £10 billion loss to taxpayers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the necessity of the initial bailout, stating that protecting RBS safeguarded millions of savers and businesses against a far greater economic crisis.
With the exit from NatWest, the government has finally exited all banks it supported during the financial crisis, marking a significant turn in the UK's economic narrative.
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