A left-leaning UK publisher has paused its daily print run after its bank account was closed. Staff payments are delayed and the company faces financial uncertainty. The publisher is seeking donations and support.
Media professionals tracking publisher resilience and payment operations will note that The Canary, a left-wing UK news outlet, has halted its national weekday print newspaper just two weeks after launch, citing the closure of its Lloyds bank account and restricted access to funds.
The publisher reported it is unable to pay all staff and described its financial position as precarious. The print edition, which began distribution in 6,500 newsagents across England and Wales on May 26, was initially framed as a trial to test operational feasibility. The Canary indicated plans to relaunch the print product in the coming weeks, but did not provide a timeline.
Funding for the print launch came from a cash injection by a used-car website founder in 2025. The project marked the first new UK national newspaper launch since The New Day, which lasted two months under Reach (formerly Trinity Mirror).
The Canary stated that Lloyds Banking Group closed its account and is withholding a substantial sum, preventing full payroll. The publisher recently expanded its team with three hires to support print content. According to The Canary, Lloyds has not explained the account closure or indicated when funds might be released, raising concerns about future banking access.
The company is now appealing for donations and speculated that other politically engaged organizations, especially those with anti-Zionist or pro-Palestine positions, may have faced similar banking actions. The Canary said it cannot rule out political motivations but has not received any official reasoning from Lloyds.
Support for The Canary has come from independent media representatives and activists. Emily Apple, former editor and now media coordinator at Campaign Against Arms, called the situation an attack on press freedom. Jonathan Cook, a former Guardian columnist, referenced previous advertiser boycotts and described the debanking as inexplicable. Double Down News and Ash Sarkar of Novara Media also voiced concern, with Sarkar urging Lloyds to clarify its rationale or reinstate the account. Additional support was noted from Peter Jukes, Carole Cadwalladr, Owen Jones, and Greg Hadfield.
The Canary acknowledged the absence of public statements from establishment journalists and politicians, stating that financial instability would not deter its editorial mission.
Lloyds Banking Group declined to comment on individual customer accounts.
Financial disruption and delayed payments are not unique to The Canary. For example, the Los Angeles Times has also faced vendor payment delays amid business challenges, highlighting broader risks for publishers navigating operational and financial pressures.
