Palestine Action activists have targeted 20 Barclays Bank branches and smashed windows demanding “divestment from Israel’s weapons trade.”
The pro-Palestinian activists carried a vandalism campaign which will costs thousands of pounds in repairs.
A spokesperson for Palestine Action said: “Barclays is funding the crises of climate collapse and genocide in Palestine.”
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.
“While we support the right to protest, we ask that campaigners do so in a way which respects our customers, colleagues and property.”
A spokesperson from Palestine Action added, “Palestine Action aims to halt the Palestinian genocide by undermining suppliers of weapons to the Israeli military, including Elbit Systems, along with financial companies involved with these weapons suppliers…Shut the System targets banks and insurance companies which enable fossil fuel expansion.
“Both groups have adopted radical direct action tactics which include sabotage of key infrastructure to physically prevent continued support for destructive and lethal business operations.
“Collaboration between the groups is designed to maximise effectiveness.”
Leave a Comment