…By Henry George for TDPel Media. A group of influential figures, including Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, Love Actually director Richard Curtis, and Green MP Caroline Lucas, have written a letter to Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), expressing their objections to Barclays’ sponsorship of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
The signatories argue that Barclays’ financing and profiting from activities contributing to climate change are incompatible with the event’s environmental policies.
Questioning the Partnership:
The campaigners contend that Wimbledon’s decision to partner with Barclays as its official banking partner contradicts the tournament’s commitment to sustainability.
They assert that accepting sponsorship from Barclays amounts to an endorsement of the bank’s actions that contribute to climate chaos.
Appeal for Reconsideration:
The letter urges Sally Bolton and the AELTC to reconsider their decision and terminate the partnership with Barclays.
The signatories emphasize that ending this association would demonstrate real climate leadership and maintain the AELTC’s reputation as a global leader in both cultural and sporting spheres.
Wide Support and Backing:
The campaign against Barclays’ sponsorship enjoys support from prominent organizations and individuals.
Greenpeace UK, XR Money Rebellion, and Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief responsible for delivering the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015, have also expressed their support for the cause.
Wimbledon’s Perspective:
Sally Bolton, in response to the campaign, welcomes Barclays as a new partner and highlights the bank’s significant donation to the Wimbledon Foundation, which aims to assist people in need throughout the UK.
Bolton asserts the AELTC’s commitment to being environment-positive and emphasizes the organization’s belief that sporting bodies have a crucial role to play in addressing environmental challenges.
Barclays’ Climate Policies:
Barclays faced scrutiny in May when environmental protesters disrupted the bank’s annual meeting in London.
Shareholders raised concerns about the bank’s climate policies and its decision to continue financing the expansion of oil and gas fields.
Barclays’ chairman, Nigel Higgins, defended the bank’s position, stating that the world currently relies on fossil fuels, although the bank has taken steps to reduce emissions and limit financing to energy companies.
Responses from AELTC and Barclays:
A spokesperson for the AELTC emphasizes Barclays’ support of the Wimbledon Foundation and highlights the championship’s commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
The statement emphasizes the organization’s efforts in renewable energy, waste reduction, and promoting a culture of reuse.
Meanwhile, a Barclays spokesperson acknowledges the urgent challenge of climate change and asserts the company’s provision of £87 billion in green finance over the past five years.
They also state that oil and gas companies are essential to the transition and suggest that companies unwilling to reduce emissions may face difficulties accessing financing from Barclays.
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