Activists pose as dead bodies in protest against Barclays

Extinction Rebellion protesters have taken action outside two Barclays bank premises in Scotland, posing as dead bodies while fake oil was poured over them.

The climate activists said the stunt aimed to “draw attention to the deaths that have been caused by Barclays’ unethical investments in fossil fuels”.

Five protesters lined up on Thursday morning outside Barclays on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, with another pouring fake oil over them.

They said the five “bodies” represented a woman in Mossmorran, Fife, who died of air pollution; one of the “Ogoni Nine” activists who was executed; a woman who died from contaminated water; someone who died due to the drought caused in Colombia; and a park ranger (and gorilla) from the Virunga National Park in Congo.

Sarah Krischer, a 28-year-old archaeologist and XR Glasgow activist, said: “Barclays’ funding of fossil fuel projects directly contributes to death and destruction throughout the world.

“For all the claims they are transitioning to a green future, words mean nothing if they continue to fund projects that have a devastating impact on human lives, communities and the natural world.”

Activists also stood outside Barclays on Princes Street, Edinburgh, with one dressed as a banker pouring “oil and greenwash” over the others.

XR Edinburgh activist Eleanor Harris, 23, said: “We have been allowing corporations like Barclays to profit from the exploitation of the planet and its people for far too long.

“Every day we allow this to continue results in further death and displacement.

“Our protest today will not itself stop climate breakdown, but it may strengthen the idea that this level of corruption and destruction is not a part of human nature.”