Barclays attracts fresh anti-Israel protests at AGM

LONDON, May 7 (Reuters) - Barclays' BARC.L annual meeting on Wednesday attracted fresh protests from activists opposed to its alleged provision of financial services to Israeli defence firms, forcing the lender to increase security checks on attendees in a bid to reduce disruption seen in previous years.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the event in Westminster, central London, waving Palestine flags and holding banners that accused Barclays of "arming Israel" and "banking on genocide".

Reuters saw at least one protester physically ejected from the building shortly before the event was due to begin. The activist was heard to shout "Free Palestine" as he was escorted out by security.

Protesters also interrupted chairman Nigel Higgins as he tried to get the meeting underway. "Barclays is a primary dealer in Israel government bonds", a protester standing on a chair shouted before being carried out by security staff.

Several others joined in, waving Palestine flags and shouting Free Palestine. "You can all go", Higgins said, as the group was removed from the room.

Barclays has faced heavy criticism for its alleged relationships with defence firms that produce equipment used by the Israeli Defence Force.

Dozens of its branches have been defaced and vandalised by pro-Palestine activists in recent years and customers have been urged to boycott the bank.

Barclays has repeatedly said its role as a lender is to provide financial services to defence companies, including U.S., UK and European firms supplying products to NATO and other allies.

The bank has said it does not invest its own money in companies that supply weapons used by Israel in Gaza, and it only trades shares in such companies on behalf of clients.

Barclays did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday's protests.