Lending to small businesses and low-income areas must expand, say Labour backbenchers

Senior politicians have tabled bill that would force UK banks to make affordable finance more accessible

Senior Labour backbenchers are urging the government to introduce legislation forcing UK banks to expand affordable lending to small businesses and low-income neighbourhoods.

The former minister Gareth Thomas has tabled a 10-minute rule bill - a type of private member's bill - echoing the US Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).