Boat Race 2018: Protesters crash event to demand Oxford and Cambridge universities divest from fossil fuels

Martin Coulter24 March 2018

A group of activists crashed this year's Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race in protest at the universities' investments in fossil fuel firms.

Demonstrators dropped a ten metre banner reading "Oxbridge Divest" from Hammersmith Bridge while the men's teams were on the horizon.

Cambridge University is due to take a decision on its future investments in fossil fuels in the next two months. Oxford University ceased some indirect investments in coal and tar sands in 2015.

Following revelations in the Panama Papers scandal over Oxbridge's offshore investments in oil exploration, activists have intensified their calls for divestment.

Protesters held a banner that demanded both universities commit to full divestment from fossil fuels
PA

Tazu Walden, of the Cambridge Zero Carbon Society, said: "For as long as Cambridge continues to fund climate breakdown and disregards its commitment to sustainability, we're going to keep putting public pressure on University management.

"It's time for Cambridge to listen to its students and staff, reflect on its moral obligations, and divest from fossil fuels."

Motions in favour of divestment have passed unanimously at both universities in recent years, though there has been little evidence of change.

The Standard approached both Cambridge and Oxford universities for comment.

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