The banking crisis in the UK continues. After the demise and nationalisation of Northern Rock, Bradford & Bingley is the next victim. A rights issue of new shares may save the bank, due to the intervention of the Bank of England.

The UK Government has been severely criticised over the Northern Rock banking disaster. A consultative document has been issued which seeks to prevent any run on a UK bank in the future.

The dramatic rescue of Bear Stearns by the Federal Reserve Bank over the weekend of 15 March 2008 was a bold and imaginative move to protect the international reputation of US financial markets. The timely rescue of Bear Stearns invites comparison with the dismal dithering of the UK authorities in their handling of Northern Rock.