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.

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?

What has Barclays said about the conflict in Gaza?

Why are protestors damaging Barclays branches?

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

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

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

123

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

123

Guardian article from Barclays Group CEO, CS Venkatakrishnan

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

Some images on this page are licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 - UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023