Barclays' position on the anti-defence movement

You may have seen criticism of Barclays for providing services to the defence sector. 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, in many cases, 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.  

Answers to key questions

What are Barclays' links to the defence sector?

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What has Barclays said about the conflict in Gaza?

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Why are protestors damaging Barclays branches?

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Is it true that Barclays funds the State of Israel? 

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

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Is it true that you’ve divested from certain defence stocks?

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Our media statements 

The defence sector

Barclays provides a range of financial products and services to UK, US and European defence companies that supply NATO and its allies.  As NATO, the EU and UK seek to urgently increase their defence capabilities in response to increasing geopolitical threats, the provision of financial products and services to the defence sector is becoming increasingly important. 

Barclays does not directly invest in these companies.​

The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the implementation of sanctions and arms controls to other nations is rightly the job of our elected government.

Sponsorship

Some protest groups have targeted arts and cultural events sponsored by Barclays.  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.