RAISING THE BARCLAYS

‘Target Barclays’ actions took place across the country last Saturday (28th), called for by Smash EDO (see SchNEWS 701). The day of action drew attention to the bank’s involvement with EDO MBM/ITT, the Brighton-based weapons parts manufacturer.

A host of autonomous groups staged their own demos at Barclays in locations across the country. In Hastings, Tunbridge Wells and Falmouth, campaigners leafletted and picketed their local branches causing sleepy town police to come out to protect the ‘defenceless’ multinational.

Brighton activists demonstrated at their local branch, handing in a letter to the manager, and inspiring some customers to promise to close their accounts after reading their flyers. Wrexham joined in the party, making use of Barclays new £1 million shop front by stringing up banners.

SchNEWS’ top prize goes to Cambridge activists for scaling a huge building opposite Barclay’s, currently conveniently covered in scaffolding, and cutting seven foot high letters in the plastic surround, telling people for miles around that Barclays invests £7 billion in the arms trade.

The campaign against Barclays and EDO MBM /ITT continues with regular noise demos in Brighton and more action planned for the future, including the Remember Gaza mass demo in Brighton on January 18th. For more see www.smashedo.org.uk

* A recent investigation of EDO’s export licences has found that they have owned UK patents for equipment used by the Israeli military since 1998, and have been actively seeking Israeli patents since 2003.