Catherine McKinnell MP sought assurances today from Sir Richard Branson, on Virgin Money’s commitment to the Northern Rock Foundation during his visit to the region. In a meeting at Northern Rock House, the Newcastle North Member of Parliament took the opportunity to talk to Richard Branson about the future of Virgin Money in the North East and the future of the Northern Rock Foundation.

Catherine McKinnell MP said:

“I was delighted to have the chance to meet with and talk to Sir Richard Branson today. He and his team are clearly committed to expanding Northern Rock’s customer base and to make Virgin Money a successful high street bank, providing what I hope will be even more jobs at its Gosforth headquarters.

“However, I also wanted reassurances about Virgin’s commitment to continued support for the brilliant work of the Northern Rock Foundation and I took the opportunity to press Sir Richard directly on this issue. The Foundation has made over 3,700 grants and supported nearly 2,000 different organisations over the last 13 years, and is exemplary in its work supporting the local community. I wanted to ensure that Sir Richard fully appreciated the importance of the Foundation to the region and I look forward to hearing how Virgin Money will be supporting its work in future.”