MPs call for 'radical reform' of banking system

MPs are calling for "radical reform" of the UK banking system to prevent taxpayers from picking up the bill next time a lender fails.The Treasury Select Committee, which said that the public would not stand for another bail-out of the banks, urged ministers not to rule out the break-up of institutions deemed "too big to fail."The Government has indicated that it is against splitting up major companies, arguing that both so-called "narrow" banks and more complex institutions were hit by the financial crisis.In a report released this morning, the Committee said reforms would be necessary, including tighter capital requirements, restrictions on borrowing and structural reforms that would make it easier to wind up a failing bank.Committee chairman John McFall said: "During the financial crisis, governments have effectively stood behind the banking system.""If international banking in the UK is to remain credible, reform must ensure that the taxpayer is better protected from picking up the bill.""We can never guarantee failures will not occur again. It is crucial therefore that in addition to improving risk management, regulation and raising capital and liquidity requirements, wider structural reform remains on the agenda."