Barclays Bank is the only surviving bank in Willesden Green and closes on January 31st.
Brent and Harrow Palestine Solidarity Campaign occupied the branch on Saturday morning in protest at the bank's links with arms companies and the Israel government. Unfortunately, all banks are complicit to some extent but Barclays is the major investor.
Customers were urged to use the closure as an opportunity to move their accounts to another bank or building society, striking a blow at Barclays similar to that which it suffered when boycotted over its support for apartheid South Africa.
The PSC state:
Barclays is bankrolling Israel's genocidal assault on Palestinians.
Our research has uncovered that Barclays bank now holds over £2 billion in shares, and provides £6.1 billion in loans and underwriting, to 9 companies whose weapons, components and military technology are being used by Israel in its attacks on Palestinians.
By providing investment and financial services to these arms companies, Barclays is facilitating the provision of weapons and technology for Israel’s attacks on Palestinians.
In addition, Barclays has an agreement with Israel to act as a 'primary dealer' for its government bonds. This means it helps Israel directly to raise money to fund its genocide and apartheid against Palestinians.
Barclays is also a target for climate campaigners over its investments in fossil fuel industries that contribute to climate change and extreme weather events.
If you have a current account with Barclays, the free Current Account Switch Service makes it easy to switch to a different provider and transfer all your payments in one go. It is available to use for both personal and business current accounts.
The demonstration was determined, as can be seen on the video, but the demonstrators made it clear that they were not personally attacking staff or the public but bringing the bank's complicity to their attention.
Police arrived on the scene after demonstrators had left the bank and assembled peacefully outside. They went away apprently satisfied after speaking to participants.
If you have time do watch this moving video:
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