Palestine Action and a newly-formed climate change group called Shut The System targeted Barclays banks in St John’s Wood, on the corner of Wellington Road and Circus Road, as well as others in the capital and the UK.
The protest was part of action calling on the bank to divest from arms companies that sell to Israel, as well as firms linked to fossil fuels.
Police said they were called to Wellington Road at 2.55am on Monday (June 10) to reports of red paint thrown over buildings.
Barclays Bank in St John’s Wood has had its windows smashed and painted in red paint by the peaceful lot. pic.twitter.com/OrnSd1aRnL
— Nicole Lampert (@nicolelampert) June 10, 2024
The two groups accused Barclays of having financial interests in selling weapons to Israel and in funding fossil fuel companies.
They said “radical direct action tactics” such as these will continue until Barclays stops investing in certain companies.
They also targeted branches in Moorgate, Palace Street, Richmond, Croydon, Wellington Road and Peckham in London, along with Barclays banks in Glasgow, Exeter, Sheffield, Brighton, Northampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Solihull and Preston, Bury and Stockport, and an office in Edinburgh.
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.
BREAKING: Palestine Action and @shut_system target 20 Barclays branches across England and Scotland!
Our collaboration demanding divestment from Israel’s weapons trade and fossil fuels has left the bank shattered. pic.twitter.com/ZSUMf06tCy
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) June 10, 2024
“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 (environmental, social and governance) considerations.
“Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.
“While we support the right to protest, we ask that campaigners do so in a way which respects our customers, colleagues and property.”
Scotland Yard said there have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD683/10JUN for any information regarding the St Johns Wood incident.
Alternative people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
