Moody8217;s downgrades a dozen UK banks

Moody8217;s Investors Service has downgraded the debt ratings of a dozen British banks because of doubts over the strength of the government8217;s support.

Moody8217;s said Friday that the downgrades include a two-notch downgrade for government-controlled Royal Bank of Scotland,and a one-notch cut for Lloyds TSB Bank,a unit of part-nationalized Lloyds Banking Group.

Spanish bank Santander had its British business downgraded by one notch,while Nationwide Building Society suffered a two-notch reduction.

Moody8217;s said it believes that the British government will continue to provide support to systemically important financial institutions,but is more likely to allow smaller institutions to fail.