National Trust members back search for bank aligned with climate commitments

The National Trust has voted overwhelmingly to start a competitive process to find a new banking partner, following years of criticism over Barclays’ financing of fossil fuel expansion. The decision matters because the charity says climate change and nature loss threaten the places it cares for, and members argued its banking relationship should reflect its environmental commitments.

The motion received 53,256 votes in favour and 4,094 against, with the trustees’ support. The tender will prioritise a bank’s commitment to biodiversity and tackling human-caused climate change, but will remain open to major UK clearing banks and may not begin for at least a year. The vote came as Trust properties face extreme weather impacts, including a July wildfire that destroyed 104 hectares of ancient heathland at Dunwich Heath.