Lloyds Bank Denies Mortgage Over Activist Daughter's Anti-Israel Actions
Lloyds Bank in the UK has reportedly denied a mortgage application to Ema Kamyu, the mother of a pro-Palestinian activist, due to "negative publicity" surrounding her daughter's legal case. Ema Kamyu, a small business owner in South Wales, applied to refinance a mortgage on her commercial properties in April. Her mortgage broker informed Lloyds about the ongoing legal proceedings against her daughter, Leona "Eli" Kamyu.
In early June, a Lloyds business development manager told the broker that the bank's credit approval team was uncomfortable proceeding "due to the negative publicity." At the time, Leona Kamyu had already been convicted of causing damage but had not yet been sentenced. An alternative proposal to transfer the properties to Ema Kamyu's sister was also rejected by the bank.
Ema Kamyu told Novara Media that she was "devastated" by the decision, stating that the situation surrounding her daughter had impacted her business and that the mortgage was intended to provide financial relief. She believes the bank's decision ultimately led to the loss of her properties.
Leona Kamyu, 30, was one of four Palestine Action activists convicted in May for damaging an Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, in August 2024. The activists broke into the facility and vandalized equipment. In June, they received severe prison sentences after a judge determined the offenses had a "connection to terrorism," although the conviction itself was for criminal damage. Leona Kamyu was sentenced to six years, and the four are appealing the ruling.
The investigation also revealed that in February 2025, while Kamyu was in pre-trial detention and not yet convicted, Lloyds informed her it would close her bank account, stating it was "unable to continue the banking relationship" without further explanation. Ema Kamyu and her three children had reportedly been Lloyds customers their entire lives.
A Lloyds spokesperson stated that the bank does not close accounts or make credit decisions based on political or personal beliefs. They emphasized that decisions are made in accordance with the law, regulations, account terms, and credit requirements, and declined to comment on specific cases.
