Environmentalists and some local councillors are shocked and dismayed by the BCP council’s decision to choose Barclays bank as a supporter.
Barclay’s bank, it has been reported, is the number one offender for financing fossil fuel companies in Europe and seventh in the world.
Furthermore, the bank has, since January 2021 and the UN climate summit, financed £4.1 billion for new fossil fuel projects.
This is despite international warnings that any new fossil fuel projects would destroy any chance of avoiding a catastrophic climate break down.
The report condemned, not just Barclays, but other big banks as well. Mia Watanabe of Market Forces said: “Despite their warm words these banks continue to finance fossil fuel companies and projects that are destroying the worlds hopes of meeting climate markets.”
The bank ‘s financing of fossil fuels happens despite a warning that: ‘Any new fossil fuel projects will damage hopes of avoiding climate disaster.’
Drew Mellor, conservative leader of the BCP council who made the decision to use Barclays, justified his position and said: “BCP council inherited three suppliers, one of which was Barclays.”
He went on to say that an assessment carried out by the government found that trading with Barclays was not identified as a risk to be managed. He argued that there are very few suppliers in the local government banking arena.
However Independent councillor Felicity Rice strongly disagreed and said: “I suppose it is quite contradictory to declaring a climate emergency, it seems thought less.”
Despite objections the decision was made without consultation, as Cllr Mellor is head of finances. Ms Rice said: “I think it is quite shocking really and depressing. I think it is demoralising to their staff.”
Her sentiments are also echoed by Angela Pooley co-coordinator of the local ‘Friends of the Earth.’ She said: “It’s totally wrong especially when they have publicly declared a climate emergency.”
Ideas have been put forward of how the council should have acted. Felicity Rice said: “I think they need to change their procurement processes that put heavier emphasis on who they work with and what those partners are doing to combat climate change.”
Angela Pooley thinks that there is not much they can do except raise the issue: “Whenever they (the council) claim they are working to reduce the carbon footprint of the conurbation.”
GERALD GILBERT
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
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