Setting the record straight on Barclays' links to the defence sector

Military helicoptor landing

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.

On this page you will find more about why Barclays believes that providing financial support to clients in the defence sector is the right thing to do.

You may have seen or experienced criticism of Barclays by anti-defence or climate activists. We are committed to being transparent about our role as a bank, and 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 finance to companies which make defence equipment, alongside their civilian products. 

These companies are an important contributor to our national security, and in a time of increasing geopolitical instability, we don’t think debanking them is the right thing to do. These companies provide vital equipment and services to our armed forces and our NATO allies, without which we would find ourselves in a much more unstable world. 

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 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.

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. 

Thank you for listening. 

We explain our links to the defence sector 

We provide a range of financial services to clients in the defence sector. Our clients in this sector include US, UK and European companies which supply defence products to NATO and its allies.  Watch the video to find out why we believe this is the right thing to do. 

Answers to key questions

What are Barclays' links to the defence sector?

Answer

What has Barclays said about the conflict in Gaza?

Answer

Why are protestors damaging Barclays branches?

Answer

Why has Barclays had to step back from sponsoring certain music festivals this year?

Answer

Does Barclays think it’s right that arts and entertainment are targeted?

Answer

Our media statements 

The defence sector

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 decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.

 

Sponsorship

Barclays was asked and has agreed to suspend participation in certain festivals in 2024. Barclays customers who hold tickets to these festivals are not affected and their tickets remain valid.

The protestors’ agenda is to have Barclays debank defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe. They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment.

The only thing that this small group of activists will achieve is to weaken essential support for cultural events enjoyed by millions. It is time that leaders across politics, business, academia and the arts stand united against this.

Further information

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Explainer: Providing financial services to the defence sector - we explain why

Read in full
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Guardian article from Barclays Group CEO, CS Venkatakrishnan

Read in full
Close up view of a military Wildcat helicopter practicing low flying and tactical stops over agricultural fields on the south coast of the UK with blue cloudy sky in the background.

Defence and Security Sector Statement

Read in full (PDF)

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