Dozens of police called to Barclays in Glasgow city centre as Extinction Rebellion protest takes place

The protestors arrived at Barclay's Bank on Bothwell Street this morning.

At least seven police cars are parked in and around the financial institution.

The force said the protest involved 25 people and is peaceful.

They added that officers were monitoring the situation. 

In a statement, Extinction Rebellion Glasgow said: "Barclays is one of the largest providers to the fossil fuel industry in Europe.

"Unlike many UK banks, Barclays are willing to fund further tar sands exploration and arctic oil and gas exploration.

"These are some of the dirtiest investments around and they are a clear and present danger to our future."

The group said their protest was held to demand Barclays declare a climate emergency, stop exploration in the Arctic for tar sands and divest from all fossil fuels entirely. 

A Barclays Spokesman said: “We recognise that climate change is an important challenge facing the world today. 

"Barclays is determined to do all it can to support the transition to a low carbon economy, while also ensuring that global energy needs continue to be met. 

"Barclays has comprehensive criteria and controls in place for our energy related financing. 

"We continue to develop our green products suite and last year facilitated £27.3bn in social and environmental financing across our business including green bonds and renewable financing.