In the heart of the bustling metropolis, contactless payments may seem like the epitome of convenience.
However, Brexit leader and banking reform advocate, Nigel Farage, recently shed light on the darker side of this seemingly progressive trend. His warning is a stark reminder that the reality of a cashless society is far from the utopian vision often portrayed by the metropolitan liberal elite.
Farage’s concerns stem from his personal experiences with ‘debanking’, a phenomenon where individuals are denied access to banking services, due to their political beliefs or lifestyle choices.
This issue came to the fore when Farage himself had his Coutts account closed because the bank deemed he did not align with their values. This incident revealed the extent to which this problem is becoming widespread in the United Kingdom.
Fight against a WEF Cashless Society! pic.twitter.com/KQWvRWkSf9
— Bass player (@BrexitBassist) August 8, 2023
The former Brexit leader’s concerns extend beyond his personal experience.
He points out the move towards a cashless society is not just an urban phenomenon, but has significant implications for rural and coastal communities as well. In these areas, the reality of daily life is far removed from the ease of tapping a card for every transaction.
Farage argues that there are practical reasons why cash needs to remain a part of our economy. Personal security is one such reason.
The shift to digital transactions opens up the possibility of every expenditure being scrutinized by the government, a prospect that Farage finds deeply troubling.
He cites the example of the Canadian truckers who protested against vaccine mandates. Their bank accounts were frozen by the government, demonstrating how digital currency can be misused in frightening ways.
Moreover, Farage’s concerns are not unfounded. Recent reports reveal that big banks in the UK have shut down nearly a million accounts in four years.
This figure only reflects accounts closed over concerns of financial crimes and does not include politically motivated debanking cases like Farage’s. The true scale of account closures could be much larger, indicating a worrying trend.
From September 11th @NatWestGroup will be limiting the amount of cash that you can deposit and withdraw.
They also have the right to refuse cash and even cheques on any basis in their new terms & conditions policy.
The banks are trying to force a cashless society upon us! pic.twitter.com/CTFDNPunBO
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) August 6, 2023
Farage’s call to action is simple yet powerful. He wants the chancellor of the exchequer to affirm that ‘legal tender will remain legal tender.’
This statement would ensure that cash continues to play a vital role in our economy, providing a safeguard against the potential misuse of digital currency.
In conclusion, Farage’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the potential pitfalls of a cashless society. While the convenience of contactless payments is undeniable, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of this shift.
As we move towards an increasingly digital world, it is essential to ensure that our financial systems remain inclusive, secure, and resistant to potential misuse.
This article appeared in Mainstpress and has been published here with permission.
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