Martin Blackham, a UK-based broadcast journalist currently reporting on the Gaza conflict in Israel, has filed a formal complaint against Barclaycard, alleging anti-Semitic behaviour by the company’s staff.
Blackham’s complaint, addressed to Barclays Bank CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan and seen by Business Matters, centres around the bank’s refusal to maintain his credit card limit, which he claims is vital for his safety while working abroad in a conflict zone.
In his letter, Blackham expressed his frustration over the lack of response from Barclays, highlighting that he first reached out over a month ago, on 8th August 2024, without receiving even a courtesy reply. He emphasised the crucial role that access to emergency funds plays for journalists covering conflicts overseas, suggesting that the denial of such facilities could potentially place him in life-threatening situations.
“The lack of action from Barclaycard staff, especially while I am stationed in Israel, clearly indicates anti-Semitism,” Blackham stated in his letter. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter and demanded assurances that his current credit limit would be restored immediately.
Blackham’s allegations bring to light broader concerns about discrimination within corporate settings, particularly towards individuals in high-risk professions such as journalism. His demand for a thorough review of Barclaycard’s actions adds to the scrutiny faced by financial institutions over their customer service practices, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical contexts.
With rising tensions and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical support required by journalists working in challenging and often dangerous conditions abroad. The outcome of Blackham’s complaint may set a precedent for how financial institutions address similar issues in the future.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “If there is a significant period of inactivity on a customer’s Barclaycard, we will contact them in writing at their registered address advising that if they wish to maintain their existing credit limit, they need to make a transaction within 90 days. Alternatively, if a transaction is not possible, they are provided with instructions to opt out of the reduction being applied. The reduction of the credit limit forms part of our wider fraud prevention activity.”
