An open letter to « HNW » (for attention of DST also)

I would like to make it clear from the outset that what I am about to say is not intended in any way as a provocation, but as a serious attempt to understand certain things and hopefully to help us all to move on. I really have no wish to add more fuel to the fire, but am simply seeking a straight and honest answer to a straight and honest question.

Basically, my question is the following:  what exactly is it that now differentiates the « HNW » group (for want of a better name) from DAG/DST to the extent that justifies the continued existence of two semi-autonomous groups within DAG, with all the negative effects that has had, and will surely continue to have, for the actions of DAG as a whole ? .

Historically, the HNW group arose to defend the perceived specific interests of (certain) depositors with very high value deposits (how high is unclear to me, but certainly a great deal more than £50K – more like 10 times that). Over time it has gradually evolved to accept – and more recently to actively solicit – all partially protected depositors (MTFK). Now that fully protected depositors will soon (we hope) be fully paid up through the DCS, the vast majority who rest will all be MTFK depositors. So clearly the distinction between HNW and DST can no longer be « worth » - and so much the better!

So what is now the distinction? Many joined HNW because of a lack of sufficient communication from what was then the London team (now DST), which inevitably in the circumstances lead to suspicions as to what might be going on behind closed doors. I can well understand this; indeed I complained myself at the time and was also tempted to 'defect'. Being kept in the dark and feeling powerless is very hard to cope with – even if you accept that there are valid reasons for restricting communication on an open forum such as this. The London team/DST should have understood this and found a solution somehow. But they did not – and it has cost DAG dearly. Many of us have been obliged to choose between two competing groups in order to exercise our rights to vote as members of DAG. We never asked for and never wanted that. Yet it has polarised our Action Group in a most unproductive way.

But all this, like many other things, is now water under the bridge and we have to find a way to move on. Let us all remember that we are all amateurs and volunteers trying to do our best in a difficult and complex situation not of our making – and no-one can be expected to get it right all of the time. So I return to my question. Given that the original « raison d'etre » for the HNW splinter group no longer exists, I believe that, if this group wishes to continue to exist and function as a separate entity, we are entitled to know on what basis they now distinguish themselves from DAG/DST. Apart from the fact that HNW has said they have no independent strategy for seeking a 100% return of our funds (hardly a reason there for a separate group), it appears to be mostly a question of a difference in style (the softly, softly approach versus a firmer, more combative stance). But all that is very vague and IMO hardly justifies the continuance of such a visible demarcation which can surely serve only to further weaken the position and standing of DAG as a whole.

I repeat, I am not trying to be provocative. Quite the opposite – I am seriously concerned by the negative impact of a continuing division in our ranks. Of course there will be differences of opinion and appreciation – and these will need to be addressed - but provided we truly have the same overall objectives, then we can only gain by presenting a united front to the world. We still have a long fight on our hands – and we will have to fight – to gain just reparation for the gross injustice we have suffered.

So please HNW, I would appreciate a straight and honest answer to my question. And please everyone, no more personal abuse against those – on both 'sides' - who are only doing their best.