Extinction Rebellion protest: Activists pose as dead bodies outside Barclays bank in Scotland

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

Extinction Rebellion protest outside a branch of Barclays in Glasgow, against the role of banks in the climate crisis. Picture: Susanna Hotham/PA Wire

The climate activists said the stunts outside Glasgow and Edinburgh branches 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.

Extinction Rebellion protest outside a branch of Barclays on Princes Street, Edinburgh, against the role of banks in the climate crisis. Picture: Extinction Rebellion/PA Wire

Sarah Krischer, a 28-year-old 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.

One dressed as a banker pouring “oil and greenwash” over others.

Extinction Rebellion Glasgow protest. Picture: Susanna Hotham/PA Wire

Eleanor Harris, 23-year-old XR Edinburgh activist 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.”

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