ACTIVISTS have raised concerns about Oxford University’s ‘toxic’ relationship with fossil fuel after it accepted millions from big oil companies despite its climate pledge.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the Oxford Mail to the university revealed that, in 2019-2020, it received between one and five million pounds from both oil company Eni Spa and Donald Porteous, BP’s former head of crude.

Oxford University Climate Justice Campaign – a student-led organisation part of an international movement to cut support of the fossil fuel industry in major institutions – urged the institution to cut its ‘close-knit’ and ‘toxic’ relationship with oil corporations, which are ‘exacerbating’ the climate crisis.

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In April last year, campaigners from the group celebrated when the university voted to divest from fossil fuels and follow a net-zero investment strategy.

The decision also came after a five-day student occupation earlier in the year at St. John’s College over fossil fuel divestment.

In a statement addressing the two major donations, campaigners said: “Oxford’s close-knit relationship with the fossil fuel industry undermines all its ambitious efforts in sustainability policy and research.

“These companies do not hold the answer to the climate crisis: their business model relies on its destruction.

“To show solidarity with the frontline communities and Indigenous Peoples who are already suffering the effects of the climate crisis, and other human rights abuses by fossil fuel companies, it is necessary to sever ties with the fossil fuel industry.

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“If Oxford were to make an end to this toxic relationship, it would deal a blow to the fossil fuel establishment, weakening the industry and leaving the way clearer for sustainable solutions.”

This is also not the first time that Oxford University has come under scrutiny for accepting controversial multi-million-pound donations.

Earlier this year the institution accepted a £100 million donation comes from major chemicals company INEOS to fund a new institute for antimicrobial research, which was also criticised by the student-led group.

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Oxford University said that it did not wish to comment on whether the two sizeable sums were donated for a specific reason – for example research, scholarships or a building project.

However, a spokesperson told this paper: “All donations to are approved by our rigorous due diligence procedures which consider ethical, legal, financial and reputational issues.

“All decisions about funding are made by the university’s committee to review donations.

“These decisions are made in confidence and on their own merits and without consideration of, or reference to, any other university donors or any outside party.”