British Museum denies sharing intelligence with BP

The British Museum has denied sharing information about environmental activists with its sponsor BP.

An OpenDemocracy investigation found the oil giant was collecting information on climate campaigners, including Co-Director of Culture Unstained Chris Garrard.

The museum said it has not received intelligence about campaigners from either BP or intelligence firm Welund.

The investigation has called into question the museum’s handling of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Internal museum emails obtained through a FOI request described Garrard as “an anti-BP activist,” going against anonymity guidelines.

Conservative MP David Davis told OpenDemocracy the British Museum must ensure FOI requests remain applicant blind.

“If they do not follow public rules, then it must be questioned whether they should get public money.”