Renowned Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson has joined forces with other celebrities in a call to remove Barclays as sponsors of the Wimbledon tournament, set to commence on Monday, July 3rd.
In an open letter addressed to Sally Bolton, the Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), these celebrities are voicing their objections to Barclays based on climate change concerns.
Calling On Wimbledon To Drop Barclays Sponsorship By Celebs
Among the letter’s signatories are acclaimed Love Actually director Richard Curtis, talented musician Brian Eno, Green MP Caroline Lucas, business mogul and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, and esteemed retail consultant and broadcaster Mary Portas.
Together, they aim to raise awareness of the bank’s association with the event and advocate for more climate-conscious sponsorships.
The campaigners express in their letter: “Barclays is financing and profiting from climate chaos, and accepting a sponsorship deal from them is an endorsement of these actions.”
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In November, Wimbledon made the announcement of Barclays as its official banking partner, replacing HSBC. However, the signatories emphasize that this partnership is not in line with the environmental policies of the prestigious Grand Slam event.
The letter further states, “We urge you to reconsider this decision and bring an end to your partnership with Barclays.“
The campaign also garners support from influential organizations such as Greenpeace UK, XR Money Rebellion, and Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief renowned for her pivotal role in delivering the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015. Their endorsement adds significant weight to the cause.
On Monday, Sally Bolton expressed, “We really welcome Barclays this year; they are a fantastic new partner.” A representative from the AELTC emphasized Barclays’ support for the Wimbledon Foundation, as well as the championship’s commitment to making a “positive impact on the environment.”
The statement further highlighted the AELTC’s dedication to addressing the environmental challenges of our time, stating, “From using 100 per cent renewable electricity and offering low carbon options on our menus, to sending zero waste to landfill and promoting a culture of reuse, we’re working hard to achieve a positive environmental impact across all of our operations.”
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Regarding oil and gas companies, the statement acknowledged their significance in the transition and their substantial contributions of resources and expertise to renewable energy.
In May, environmental protesters temporarily halted Barclays’ annual meeting for shareholders in central London. During the event, the bank’s management team faced scrutiny over their climate policies and decision to continue financing the expansion of oil and gas fields.
The bank’s stance was justified by Chairman Nigel Higgins, he stated, “The world at the moment cannot function without fossil fuels.”
The outcome of this campaign remains uncertain, but it serves as a reminder that every platform can be utilized to advocate for positive change and climate action.
Only time will reveal how this passionate call for accountability resonates with the wider community and influences the course of sponsorships in major events.
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