National Trust moves to replace Barclays as banking partner

The National Trust has voted overwhelmingly to start a competitive tender for a new banking partner, the charity’s annual general meeting decided on Saturday. The resolution, which received backing from the board of trustees, follows long‑standing criticism from members that the Trust’s relationship with Barclays conflicted with its environmental mission. Members have argued that Barclays’ investments in fossil fuels are at odds with the Trust’s commitment to protecting the natural world. By instructing the organisation to seek a bank more aligned with its environmental policies, the Trust is responding to those concerns and signaling a shift in its financial arrangements. The move marks a significant victory for members who have campaigned for the change, and it puts pressure on Barclays to address its fossil fuel exposure if it wishes to retain such partnerships.

Why it matters

The decision shows how environmental concerns are influencing the financial choices of heritage organisations, potentially reshaping relationships between charities and major banks.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

7 Nov 2026, 20:36 IST

Key names

National Trust, Charity’s AGM, Barclays’, Barclays

Section

Environment

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianNational Trust votes to seek banking partner more in tune with its environmental policies 7 Nov, 20:36

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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