MP David Mundell fears 'cashless society'

The Tweeddale MP, of the Conservatives, has spoken in the House of Commons about his concerns that cash is falling out of use.

And in his latest column in the Peeblesshire News, Mr Mundell warns of the “real danger” that physical money could soon disappear, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Mundell writes: “There is a real danger that the vital cash payments system in the UK could be lost through the backdoor as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.”

The former Scottish Secretary says any health fears about handling currency during the pandemic are “largely unfounded”.

“Ironically, studies indicate that cash has no more risk of virus transmission than contactless and pin devices,” Mr Mundell writes.

He adds: “Health experts emphasise that regular hand-washing and other personal hygiene precautions are the best form of protection whatever payments system is used.”

Mr Mundell is concerned that some older people will be disadvantaged if cash is abandoned.

According to fullfact.org, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has never warned people against using cash payments during the pandemic.

The fact-checking website states: “The WHO advises the public to wash their hands after handling money, especially if handling or eating food.

“But they haven’t issued a warning about using banknotes.”

The text of Mr Mundell’s column addressing ‘cashless payments’

I RAISED concerns in the House of Commons recently about the risks of us sleepwalking into a cashless society.

There is a real danger that the vital cash payments system in the UK could be lost through the backdoor as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

Largely unfounded fears about handling currency mean the Covid-19 period has seen a marked drop in the use of cash.

Ironically, studies indicate that cash has no more risk of virus transmission than contactless and pin devices.

In a further blow, a number of outlets and services have suspended the use of cash due to the pandemic and the worry is some might not resume using notes.

Health experts emphasise that regular hand-washing and other personal hygiene precautions are the best form of protection whatever payments system is used.

The past few years have seen increasing efforts to remove cash dispensers or add transaction fees, even on small amounts, in my constituency and across the country.

This trend threatens to cut off an estimated eight million UK people, some older and vulnerable, who for practical reasons cannot manage in a cashless world.

I will continue to campaign for them.

Whilst I welcome the UK Government’s recent pledge to introduce legislation to preserve easy access to cash I am pressing Ministers for detail and a timescale that does not come too late to preserve a workable system.