Red paint splashed on Bradford waterfront in pro-Palestine protest

Red paint has been sprayed on a bench in Bradford city center in a pro-Palestine protest.

The incident, at the Barclays bank on Market Street, happened overnight.

The main doors of Barclays Bank on Market Street were covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)

The side of the building, including the main door, ATM and signs were all covered in paint.

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the attack, along with others from Bolton, Manchester and Brighton.

The ATM outside Barclays Bank on Market Street was covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)

The group claims Barclays is investing in Elbit Systems, which it claims is Israel’s largest arms firm.

In a statement sent to T&A today, a Barclays spokesperson said: “We provide vital financial services to public companies in the US, UK and Europe that supply defense products to NATO and its allies.

“Barclays does not invest directly in these companies

“The defense sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK Government has been clear that supporting defense companies is compatible with ESG considerations.

“Decisions regarding the implementation of arms embargoes to other nations are the responsibility of the respective elected governments.”

“The safety of our customers, colleagues and the local community is our priority and we would ask those expressing their views not to cause criminal damage to our facilities which puts people’s safety at risk.”

At a meeting in May, Barclays’ board was asked about steps taken to end its financial links with Elbit Systems.

Chairman Nigel Higgins said he wanted to “set the record straight” about Barclays’ alleged investment in defense firms.

“The short answer is we don’t,” he said, explaining that clients of his wealth business may hold shares, but the bank itself is not an investor and only has a corporate banking relationship with Elbit’s independently operated UK business.

Challenged about how the indirect relationships did not “repeal Barclays’ ethical responsibilities”, Mr Higgins replied: “We see defense as a vital sector that needs to be funded and we fund it in accordance with our policies and the strictures of our governance.”

On its website, the bank also said it recognizes the profound human suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza.

A sign outside Barclays Bank on Market Street was covered in red paint (Image: Newsquest)

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police received a report at 2.06am this morning of an incident of criminal damage at Barclays Bank in Market Street, Bradford.

“Requests are ongoing.”

The spokesman added: “If anyone has any information which could assist the ongoing investigation into this incident, they are asked to contact Bradford District CID via Live Chat online or by calling 101 quoting crime reference 13240296623.”

The T&A also asked Barclays when the Bradford branch would reopen to customers, but the bank could not confirm at this stage.