NatWest Group's profits have surged by nearly £1 billion, beating expectations as the bank faces scrutiny from shareholders after the departure of its boss this week.The British bank, which has been embroiled in a row involving Nigel Farage over the closure of his bank account, reported a "strong" financial performance for the first half of the year.

NatWest Group's profits have surged by nearly £1 billion, beating expectations as the bank faces scrutiny from shareholders after the departure of its boss this week.The British bank, which has been embroiled in a row involving Nigel Farage over the closure of his bank account, reported a "strong" financial performance for the first half of the year.