The Bank of England has published a joint statement with some of the UK’s biggest banks to reassure businesses and members of the public that Britain’s banking system is in a “strong position” to support the economy through the Covid-19 outbreak.

In a statement published on 23 March, the central bank, together with the chairs of Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Natwest, HSBC, Santander, Virgin Money and UK Finance, told the public they were “rapidly getting systems in place” to help organisations and households “keep financial hardship to a minimum”.