INCREASINGLY it looks likely that the current action against the Royal Bank of Scotland raised by thousands of the remaining aggrieved shareholders will be settled out of court through a substantially increased offer to be agreed in confidential talks between the opposing legal teams (“Anger as RBS legal action is delayed a third time”, The Herald, May 25). It all sounds very cosy with no one suffering. However, as RBS is owned effectively by the taxpayers, how in practical terms is that settlement to be funded? Also how were any previous settlements funded, and if the rumour of some huge action from the US waiting in the wings is correct, how is the defence and ultimate settlement of that proposed to be funded?

Overall, what affect will all of these costs have on taxpayers and also on the future of RBS? Are we not entitled to have all of this spelled out?

Alan Fitzpatrick,

10 Solomon’s View,

Dunlop.