British Museum trustee resigns over BP sponsorship and repatriation

An Egyptian writer has resigned from the British Museum's board of trustees, claiming it is "Immovable" on its sponsorship deal with oil company BP. Ahdaf Soueif also cited the museum's positions on worker relations and the repatriation of cultural artefacts as reasons for her departure. In a blog post she called on the museum "To take a clear ethical position... on issues of critical concern". BP's sponsorship of the British Museum and other cultural institutions, including the Tate and the RSC, has prompted protests from environmental campaigners. Soueif said the money BP gives to support British Museum exhibitions such as this year's Troy: Myth and Reality could be attained elsewhere. Sir Richard disagreed with that assessment, saying the museum was "Playing a very important part in the debate".

Read the full story

 Related companies

Make a complaint about BP by viewing their customer service contacts.

•