RED paint has been daubed across a Bradford city centre bank in a pro-Palestine protest.
The incident, at the Barclays bank on Market Street, happened overnight.
The main doors of Barclays Bank, on Market Street, were covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)
The side of the building, including the main door, cash machine, and signs were all covered in paint.
Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the attack, along with others in Bolton, Manchester, and Brighton.
The cash machine outside Barclays Bank, on Market Street, was covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)
The group alleges that Barclays invests in Elbit Systems, which it claims is Israel’s biggest weapons firm.
In a statement sent to the T&A today, a spokesperson for Barclays said: “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.
“The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.
“Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.”
“The safety of our customers, colleagues and local community is our priority and we would ask that those expressing their views stop short of criminal damage to our facilities, which puts people’s safety at risk.”
At a meeting in May, the Barclays’ board was asked about what action it has taken to end its financial ties to Elbit Systems.
Chairman Nigel Higgins said he wanted to “put the record straight” about Barclays’ alleged investment in defence firms.
“The short answer is we don’t,” he said, explaining that clients of its wealth business may own shares but the bank itself is not an investor and only has a corporate banking relationship with Elbit’s independently-operated UK business.
Challenged on how indirect relationships do not “abrogate Barclays ethical responsibilities”, Mr Higgins replied: “We see defence as a vital sector that needs to be funded and we fund it in line with our policies and the strictures of our governance.”
On its website, the bank also said it recognises the profound human suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza.
A sign outside Barclays Bank, on Market Street, was covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police received a report at 2.06am this morning of an incident of criminal damage at Barclays Bank on Market Street, Bradford.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
The spokesperson added: “If anyone has any information that could assist the ongoing investigation into this incident they are asked to contact Bradford District CID via Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13240296623.”
The T&A also asked Barclays when the Bradford branch would re-open to customers, but the bank was unable to confirm at this stage.
