Environmental activists target Royal Bank of Scotland

Climate Camp stage environmental demonstrations across the UK

Environmental protesters have said they will target Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) over its involvement in the financing of fossil fuel companies.

Camp for Climate Action is planning to take action against the bailed out bank during this year's demonstrations.

The location and date of the action has not yet been announced.

RBS said it is committed to conducting its business in a "sustainable manner" and takes into account "relevant social issues as a part of that process".

A spokesperson for the group said the bank is investing in the exploitation of "tar sands" - a carbon-intensive oil found in Canada.

The announcement comes a week before RBS's annual general meeting in Edinburgh.

Eriel Deranger, an indigenous Canadian woman, is expected to attend the meeting to question RBS over its investments.

'Taxpayers money'

Camp for Climate Action has previously staged demonstrations over Heathrow's Airport expansion, against the City of London and at Kingsnorth power station in Kent.

Spokeswoman Sonia Tiller said: "The government refuses to do anything to prevent RBS from pouring billions of taxpayers' money into incredibly destructive fossil fuel projects around the world."

In a statement RBS said it is committed to conducting business in a "sustainable manner".

It added: "We assess lending, investment and services decisions through our defined risk and credit committee procedures and take into account relevant social, ethical and environmental issues as a part of that process.

"We are determined to play our part in the global shift to a more efficient, innovative and equitable use of resources and support the UK government's leadership on climate change."