BBC star Chris Packham and MPs today blasted Simon Cowell for signing an ad deal with Barclaycard, who have been slammed for funding fossil fuel extraction.
A new TV advert sees Cowell, 59, launching a talent show in Antarctica to promote the bank’s new online repayment calculator.
But campaigner Packham and MPs across the political divide blasted Cowell’s decision to front the campaign.
Springwatch star Packham, 57, said: “I am very surprised Simon didn’t solicit better advice about this and how it would understandably enrage and disappoint those hoping that high-profile public figures would get on board with the message about addressing climate change.”
Simon Cowell's controversial Barclaycard ad slammed by green campaigners
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, 58, said: “Barclays has knowingly been funnelling millions into dirty energy for years now, so this advertisement is deeply offensive.”
Anna McMorrin, Labour MP for Cardiff North, co-chair of the Parliamentary Climate Change group, also hit out.
She said: “At first, I thought they were trying to at least reach out to people caring about the climate.
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"But, it’s just men sitting in a board room, man-splaining, flying all over the world, not caring about climate change.”
Greenpeace UK said they were “the worst bank in Europe for funding fossil fuels”.
And campaigners People & Planet said: “ Simon Cowell should not be endorsing a bank that does this.”
Barclays said: “Our approach balances the need to accelerate the transition away from the most carbon intensive fossil fuel sources with ongoing support for clients operating responsibly in energy sectors that are expected to contribute significantly to the world’s energy mix.”
