Comparisons between Northern Rock & Mary Poppins (the kids wanting their 2d (2p for youngsters) back starting a run on the bank) are abounding but where are the comparisons to It’s a Wonderful Life when Jimmy Stewart explains why people shouldn’t ask for all their money when it’s invested in people’s houses?

If everyone takes their money out how can the bank function? But if I had money in there I’d want it out because while there is the smallest question of its being lost why leave it there? Or more to the point why should I leave it there - obviously everyone else should

Surely it has got to be worth Northern Rock offering a bonus to anyone who leaves their money with them. While it’s a 1,000,000 to 1 that the money will be lost why should I take even a 1,000,000 to 1 chance unless there’s a return. Even a 1%bonus is worth a 1,000,000 to 1 risk (I guess technically a .000011% bonus is worth it). Yes it would cost the bank but surely losing all their investors is costing even more?