Extinction Rebellion Oxford (XR Oxford) organised a protest in front of Barclays Bank on Cornmarket Street on its first day of opening. The demonstrators called on Jesus College, who lease the premises to Barclays, to end their agreement with the bank. Approximately 15 people participated in the action.
The XR Oxford protestors placed police “crime scene” tape outside the Barclays branch and demonstrated. Two protestors staged a “die-in” inside the branch, but left after five minutes. Another pair held a “silent vigil”, remaining in the building for half an hour before choosing to leave when several police officers entered the premises.
The protestors targeted Barclays because of their ties with the fossil fuel industry. Steve Dawe, an XR activist, told Cherwell: “The public has a choice and can shut down accounts held with Barclays.”
“Barclays is not alone: HSBC, Lloyds and insurance company Howden – all present in central Oxford – are all involved in continuing the Climate Emergency by propping up fossil fuels.”
Several of the protestors were from Christian Climate Action (CCA), which organised the protest with XR Oxford. Rev. James Grote, a member of CCA, told Cherwell: “The climate crisis is happening. It’s not next year, it’s not in the next ten years, it is now happening [sic.].”
Both XR Oxford and CCA also cited Barclay’s financial ties to Israel and support of its military operation in Gaza as reasons for the protest.
Extinction Rebellion is an international activist group campaigning against inaction on climate change through non-violent direct action.
Barclays have been approached for comment.
 organised a protest in front of Barclays Bank on Cornmarket Street on its first day of opening.){kind=link}