Barclays CEO John Varley Interviewed on First Half Results 2010

LONDON, August 5, 2010 - UK banking group Barclays performs strongly against a backdrop of subdued
economic activity helped by falling impairment charges, according to Group
CEO John Varley. He also points to gross new lending in the UK, in the first
half, of GBP18 billion as evidence that the bank is "wide open for business."

In an interview with online broadcaster www.cantos.com, the
banking boss said he accepts the need for financial reforms but warns that
getting the timing right on new regulations is vital for the economic
recovery.

Mr Varley insists the way the reforms are introduced "needs to be
sensitive to the demands of the economy".

The interview and transcript are available now on
www.cantos.com/company/Barclays.

Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth
interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you
would like to contact us, please email amanda.alexander@cantos.com or phone
+44-207-936-1352.

If you would like to contact us, please email amanda.alexander at cantos.com or phone
+44-207-936-1352.