The traditional flat cap and tweed jacket brigade was out in force for the Barclays' annual meeting this morning. But even before the event began, the effect of the last year's momentous events were clear with one shareholder saying "I have never known it like this before" as she eyed the airport-style security while queueing to enter.

Shareholders arrived at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre, opposite London's Westminster Abbey, to the sight of Barclays' flags and a Union Jack flying and a handful of policemen, though nothing to rival the security surrounding the pro-Tamil Tigers protest across the road.