A group of pro-Palestinian activists have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on 20 Barclays bank branches across England and Scotland. The Palestine Action group, known for its efforts to disrupt Israel-based defence contractor Elbit’s UK operations, has expanded its campaign to target financial institutions with ties to Israel’s weapons trade.
Images shared on social media showed shattered windows and graffiti on several bank branch entrances, with locations including London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh being targeted. The group was joined by members of the environment-focused protest group Shut the System, with both groups citing Barclays’ financial interests in Israel’s weapons trade and fossil fuels as the motive for the attacks.
In a statement posted on its social media accounts, Shut the System declared their mission to “shut the system” for the sake of all life on Earth. They described the broken windows and shattered glass as a symbol of the shattered hopes for a livable future for all beings.
While it is reported that 15 sites were damaged, no one was hurt during the attacks. The affected branches are currently closed.
In response to the attacks, a spokesperson for Barclays stated, “We provide vital financial services to US, UK, and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies. Barclays does not directly invest in these companies.” They also emphasized that the defence sector is crucial for national security and that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.
The spokesperson also noted that decisions on arms embargos to other nations are the responsibility of elected governments. While respecting the right to protest, Barclays urged campaigners to do so in a manner that respects their customers, colleagues, and property.
