Barclays Faces Another Guildford Protest – This Time on Its Israel Policy

Published on: 25 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 27 Aug, 2025

Pro-Palestinian protest at Barclays Bank in North Street today

By Esme Campbell

Pro-Palestine protestors targeted Barclays Bank in North Street earlier today (August 23), placing more pressure on Guildford Borough Council’s decision to continue to use the bank for its investments.

A demonstration by the West Surrey Palestine Solidarity Campaign gathered outside the bank’s Guildford branch to raise awareness, it said, and demand accountability for Barclays’ ties to Israel.

Please watch Esme Campbell’s video report below:

Surrey Police monitored the protest but there was no violence and no arrests were made.

The protest by a group of about 20 campaigners was peaceful and the bank remained open.

The protestors say the the bank provides financial services to companies that supply Israel with weapons and military technology, and funds the country through the international bond markets.

Simon Higgins speaking at the full council meeting.

Protest organiser Simon Higgins announced at the protest: “Barclays is bankrolling Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people.”

Higgins had urged GBC to divest from Barclays in a council meeting on July 29.

See: Borough Council Hears Plea To Take a Moral Stand Over Gaza

Cllr Richard Lucas

Cllr Richard Lucas, Lead Councillor for Finance at GBC, responded to Higgins during the meeting by denying Barclays’ involvement in Israeli Government bond auctions. He has since admitted that was incorrect in a letter to the Guildford Dragon.

See: What I Said About Barclay’s Bank Was Incorrect

When told of Cllr Lucas’ admission by Dragon reporters, Higgins responded: “Guildford Borough Council’s response was good in conceding they were wrong. I hope Guildford Borough Council will respond to this protest positively to understand the depth of feeling against Barclays Bank.”

The Guildford branch of Barclays Bank has previously faced protests by environmental campaigners.

See: Extinction Rebellion Targets Barclays Bank Again in Protest Against Fossil Fuel Funding

The Guildford Dragon has contacted Barclays for a response to today’s protest.

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