Barclays’ links to the defence sector explained
We are committed to being transparent about our role as a bank and we are always willing to talk about the work we do and why we do it.
The anti-defence movement criticises Barclays for financing defence manufacturers. We are a bank which, like others in the UK, provides financial services to companies which make defence equipment alongside their civilian products. These companies are an important contributor to our national security and at a time of increasing geopolitical instability, we don’t think taking away these services is the right thing to do.
On this page, you will find more about why we have taken this approach.
Restrictions on where defence companies can export equipment are made by governments across the US, UK and Europe. We will not undermine the national security choices those governments make.
We respect that others may have different views, but we ask that they express them without intimidation or violence as we have seen from a very small number of activists, with attacks on our branches and staff or social media bullying of artists and players at events we sponsor.
We continue to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East and we stand ready to support those efforts where we can, including through humanitarian assistance.
Answers to key questions
Our media statements
Some images on this page are licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 - UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023