Climate activists have plastered spoof adverts on the London Underground to take aim at Barclays’ fossil fuel links as the bank releases its half yearly financial results.
The fake ads on the Jubilee and Hammersmith & City Tube lines stated: “Stealing your future one oil and gas project at a time” and: “Your bank is funding a world on fire.” They were stamped with the distinct blue Barclays brand and camouflaged amongst other legitimate ads.
Transport for London (TfL) said they were being removed but not before Fossil Free London posted photos of the ‘brandalism’ on social media. The group says it aims to “spread the message and put public pressure” on companies sponsoring and investing in fossil fuel.
They have previously been involved with a series of actions against fossil fuels, notable acts include protesting outside Barclays Annual General Meeting where shareholders vote on climate policies, protesting outside the bank’s branches during Pride in response to a ‘pink wash’ ad campaign in which Barclays expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ+ communities – despite investing in the cause of climate crisis that will disproportionately affect marginalised groups worldwide.
The fake posters were also spotted by commuters on the Tube. One tweet said: “Liking the new Barclays ads, another stated: “Loving the new tube ad.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “These adverts are not authorised by TfL or our advertising partner, Global. It is flyposting, which we take extremely seriously.”