Bradford & Bingley plc Statement by the Chancellor

Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that by order under the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008, Bradford & Bingley's UK and Isle of Man retail deposit business along with its branch network has been transferred to Abbey National plc. This transfer follows a competitive auction process for this part of the business, conducted by Morgan Stanley on behalf of HM Treasury. The remainder of Bradford & Bingley's business will be taken into public ownership.