Mark welcomed the decision to continue the use of the Scotish Widows name but called for assurances on the future of jobs.

He commented:

"The decision to use the Scottish Widows brand name for the combined operation should provide us with some reassurance for the future prospects for jobs within Edinburgh. It confirms the strong reputation built up by Scottish Widows over the years has been recognised by the new Lloyds Banking Group, and that is to be welcomed.

Nevertheless, the news will worry people in Edinburgh whose jobs may be at risk as the details of possible job losses have not yet been announced. I have today called on Scottish Widows to make clear as soon as they can which jobs will be lost and what other opportunities there are for any staff whose jobs disappear.

I am seeking an urgent meeting with Scottish Widows and Lloyds Banking Group in Scotland to discuss these questions and more generally their current strategy in Scotland now that we are beginning to see the long term impact of strategic decisions they are taking for the merged group."