BP TRIES TO BANKRUPT GREENPEACE

BP TRIES TO BANKRUPT GREENPEACE 18 August 1997 BP has issued a summons for over a million pounds against Greenpeace and four named campaigners, over the campaign to prevent climate change on the Atlantic Frontier. A "schedule of arrestment" issued in a Edinburgh Court of Sessions today says that BP seeks the sum of "one million four hundred thousand pounds" from Greenpeace Limited, Sarah Burton, Chris Rose, Liz Pratt and Jon Castle, and "all moveable things in your hands belonging or pertaining" to them. The "schedule" is addressed to Greenpeace's bank, the Co-Op, via a branch in Scotland. A Hearing applying for an interim interdict against the company and the four, is due in Edinburgh Court of Sessions, tomorrow morning on 19 August. Chris Rose, one of the named and Deputy Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, says "BP made stlg1.5 billion profit in its first six months of the year - it makes more in profit in 48 hours than Greenpeace receives in income in a year. BP is trying to use its financial and legal muscle to crush defence of the environment. BP may try to take away our money and our supporters money - but that will not make BP right, and it will not resolve them of responsibility for their role in global environmental pollution. BP is leading the world the wrong direction by opening up fossil fuels that the climate cannot sustain - but it would rather close down Greenpeace than change direction and invest in solar power. Greenpeace appeals to the public for its support.". With the Government, BP is among 21 oil companies opposing Greenpeace in the High Court over the lack of protection for the environment in the Atlantic Frontier oil field. A hearing on leave for a Judicial Review sought by Greenpeace is due in the London High Court 23/4 September. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Greenpeace Press Office on +44 (0)171-865 8255/6/7/8 Notes to Correspondents 1. For the latest video footage/stills from Greenpeace's Atlantic Frontier campaign contact the Greenpeace Press Office.
2. Media briefing notes on the Foinaven oil field available on request