Singing activists disrupt NatWest meeting over ‘climate backtracking’
NatWest's annual meeting was disrupted by climate activists singing protests over perceived backtracking on environmental commitments, leading to a temporary adjournment. Investor groups, including the Church of England pension board, expressed concern and voted against chair Rick Haythornthwaite’s reappointment. Haythornthwaite defended the bank’s climate stance as a pragmatic balance, reaffirming long-term net zero goals despite policy changes. Shareholder dissent was notable, with criticism also raised over executive pay versus staff welfare.
- ▪Activists from Extinction Rebellion’s XR Money Rebellion disrupted NatWest’s AGM in Edinburgh by singing a protest song against fossil fuel financing.
- ▪The Church of England pension board voted against Rick Haythornthwaite’s re-election due to concerns over weakened climate commitments.
- ▪NatWest revised its climate policy, dropping requirements for oil and gas clients to have credible transition plans or report carbon emissions.
- ▪Haythornthwaite was re-elected with 92% support, marking unusually high dissent for a chair position in the banking sector.
- ▪ShareAction, representing $1.4tn in assets, demanded a follow-up meeting, warning that NatWest’s policy shift risks financial and environmental stability.
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‘Concerns about NatWest backtracking on its climate commitments’ led to some investors, such as the C of E pension board, to vote against Rick Haythornthwaite’s reappointment as director. Photograph: Ben TrittonView image in fullscreen‘Concerns about NatWest backtracking on its climate commitments’ led to some investors, such as the C of E pension board, to vote against Rick Haythornthwaite’s reappointment as director. Photograph: Ben TrittonNatWest GroupSinging activists disrupt NatWest meeting over ‘climate backtracking’AGM briefly adjourned after protesters wearing T-shirts labelled ‘No more big oil’ burst into songJulia KolleweTue 28 Apr 2026 11.22 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 11.40 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe chair of NatWest was forced to defend the bank against…
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