Government sells final shares in NatWest 17 years after 45bn bailout

"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."

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.

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