Instead of complaining about BP’s sponsorship of the British Museum, why don’t wealthy celebrities pledge to replace this funding with their own money?
I am writing in response to the letter you carried (4 April) regarding BP’s support for the British Museum. Each year, BP’s products and services provide millions of people across the UK with heat, light and mobility. We directly employ some 15,000 people in the UK and our activities support well over 100,000 further jobs. Around 0.5% of UK GDP is supported by BP’s activity.
As a major UK-based company, we think it is right that we contribute to British society in many ways, including culture. Over two million people a year enjoy the BP-supported exhibitions at the British Museum and other cultural events that we support. BP’s position on climate change is clear and long-standing: global action is needed, it is a complex issue and meeting the challenge will require efforts by all – governments, companies and consumers. BP is playing its part by advocating a price on carbon, providing lower carbon products such as natural gas and renewables, pursuing energy efficiency and supporting research. BP is proud to have been a partner of the British Museum for over 20 years. We look forward to continuing our relationship.
Peter Mather
BP group regional vice president, Europe, and head of country, UK