Climate activists crash Bodiam Castle to expose National Trust’s shady Barclays deal
Protest sparks over Barclays links at historic castle
Activists from Fossil Free London staged a daring protest at the iconic 14th-century Bodiam Castle, slamming the National Trust for its financial ties to Barclays Bank. The group claims Barclays bankrolls both fossil fuel giants and military operations, putting the Trust’s green credentials under the spotlight.
‘Funders of bombs and big oil’ – the explosive allegation
Fossil Free London didn’t hold back, blasting the National Trust for ‘failing in its mission’ to protect nature and heritage while banking with Barclays. The activists said: “@nationaltrust, as self-described guardians of nature and heritage, you are failing in your mission to protect it as long as you keep banking on Barclays – funders of bombs and big oil.”
Barclays raked in for pumping billions into fossil fuels and weapons
The group revealed Barclays is Europe’s biggest backer of fossil fuels since the 2016 Paris Agreement, reportedly dumping $10 billion a year into polluters like Shell. “Barclays is Europe’s worst funder of fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement in 2016,” they charged, accusing the bank of fuelling environmental destruction.
Fossil Free London also pointed out Barclays’ £2 billion shareholdings in Israeli military firms linked to deadly Palestinian operations. The figure has soared 55% since 2021, the activists claimed, calling for the National Trust to rethink its banking partnerships amid these grave ethical concerns.
National Trust fires back but stands firm
The National Trust responded, acknowledging the climate crisis urgency. A spokeswoman said they welcomed Barclays’ pledge to halt direct financing of oil and gas expansion and demand climate plans from energy clients. “It is critically important that we continue to engage with Barclays and the banking sector to do more and faster to reduce financed emissions,” she added.
She also stressed respect for peaceful protests but warned against blocking access or disrupting conservation efforts.
