London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

Climate protesters use Spice Girls and Shakespeare to disrupt Barclays AGM

Climate protesters use Spice Girls and Shakespeare to disrupt Barclays AGM

Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion, Fossil Free London and Climate Choir were protesting the UK high street bank's investment in new fossil fuel projects.

Shakespeare and the Spice Girls were used by environmental protestors to repeatedly disrupt the Barclays annual general meeting (AGM) in central London on Wednesday morning.

Activists from Extinction Rebellion, Fossil Free London and Climate Choir were protesting the UK high street bank's investment in new fossil fuel projects despite heavy security at the AGM venue.

The first interruption came as dozens of protestors broke out in song with a variant of the Spice Girl's Stop with lyrics changed.

"Stop right now, no more oil and gas. Stop burning fossil fuels and end this madness.

"Hey you, burning up the earth... we've had enough."

"You dirty, dirty bank" they sang.

Protestors outside Barclays AGM in central London


The singing continued for several minutes as the protesters were ushered out of the room and could still be heard outside the room when all singers had left.

It was the first of numerous disruptions as Fossil Free London used Shakespearean dialogue to sporadically interrupt speakers.

"Don't shuffle off this mortal coil", protestors said, "keep it in the soil" they added, referencing their call not to extract more fossil fuels.

Climate activist dressed as Barclays group chairman Nigel Higgins


Groans were audible as individuals started Shakespearean speeches after other protesters were escorted out.

Barclays group chairman Nigel Higgins said he wished the protesters "would shuffle off". The Barclays company secretary and Mr Higgins continued to speak throughout speeches.

"I'm sorry about this because I know the vast majority have come here to ask questions and we can't respond to this", Mr Higgins said.

Individual protesters also stood up with signs and shouted calls not to invest in new fossil fuel projects, with one man seen carried out of the venue.

Climate protestors outside Barclays AGM


Mr Higgins said the bank has enhanced climate measure and welcomes feedback on how they can improve.

In the AGM notice, Barclays said: "Addressing the climate challenge continues to be one of the board's top priorities, and we have made progress in implementing our strategy, as set out in detail in our 2022 annual report."

Protestor being removed from the Barclays AGM


"We have also brought forward the phase-out of US (and all OECD) coal-fired power financing from 2035 to 2030".

"There have been calls, including from the IEA [International Energy Agency] and the UN, for no new oil and gas exploration if the world is to stay below 1.5 degrees warming.

"At the same time, the war in Ukraine has shone a new light on the importance of energy security and affordability for countries around the world.

"Any transition to a low carbon economy needs to ensure communities have access to affordable energy."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×