Lib Dems slam Goodwin's fat cat pension

3.00.00pm GMT Thu 26th Feb 2009

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, Tavish Scott

Speaking at First Minister's Questions today, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP condemned Fred Goodwin's taxpayer funded pension payout, which is 140 times the size of the normal state pension.

Commenting after the exchange, Mr Scott said:

"Sir Fred Goodwin is getting a pension of £650,000 every year paid for by the taxpayer.

"That's 140 times the size of the normal state pension.

"Fred Goodwin shouldn't touch a penny of that pension.

"It is truly shocking that the first instinct of the banking fat cats has been to arrange their bonuses and pensions.

"It beggars belief that the Labour Government can sign off such a scandalously sweet deal behind closed doors and then attack it in public.

"The Chancellor stated in the House of Commons this morning that the Government knew there was an RBS contract with Sir Fred.

"Is Labour really trying to claim that no Government Minister or official asked any questions at all about that contract?"