London Science Museum cuts links with BP after decades of partnership
Campaigners say ‘seismic shift’ follows years of pressure to sever ties with oil and gas firm The London Science Museum has ended its decades-long partnership with the oil and gas company BP in what has been described as a “seismic shift” for the museum. The Science Museum Group academy, which was established in 2018 to provide training and resources, announced on Friday that it would be ending…
The Science Museum Group has terminated its decades-long partnership with oil giant BP, marking a significant shift in the museum's relationships. The decision comes after years of pressure from campaigners and educators to sever ties with the company. According to Sir Ian Blatchford, the director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group, the partnership will conclude at the end of its current contract term, on August 31st.
BP's contributions had previously enabled the museum to train and support over 11,000 education professionals, reaching more than 1 million young people with science engagement initiatives. However, BP has faced criticism for allegedly exerting undue influence on the teaching of Stem subjects in the UK. In a recent precedent, the museum also severed ties with Equinor in 2024 due to its insufficient efforts to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris climate agreement.
Campaigners have expressed mixed reactions to the latest decision, praising the museum's move as a "seismic shift" but acknowledging that it falls short of a complete break with fossil fuel companies.
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