London 2012 sticks with sponsor BP despite escalating crisis

London 2012 chiefs are continuing to back Games partner BP despite the oil giant being the subject of international condemnation following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

BP

BP, a tier one sponsor of the Games, has come under fire from the US politicians and environmental groups for its part in the spill, which led to the deaths of 11 people.

US President Barack Obama has consistently condemned BP and its chief executive Tony Hayward for his response to the crisis, while the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has accused BP of a “lack of integrity”.

David Cameron is set to meet Obama next week in a bid to ease tensions arising from the crisis, which has led to some US politicians referring to BP by its original British Petroleum moniker, which could prove damaging to British companies operating in the US.

Despite the mounting crisis, a spokesman for London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Locog) says that the oil company remains a “valued” partner.

“Whilst a team of specialists are focussed on resolving the situation in the Gulf of Mexico, it is business as usual for the rest of the organisation,” he adds.

BP is said to have paid £50m to sponsor the Games. It was unveiled as a tier one partner in July 2008, beating rival Shell.

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