CLIMATE campaigners blockaded an Oxford hotel after an oil and energy company tried to recruit Oxford University graduates there.

Oxford Climate Justice activists stood outside Old Bank Hotel on High Street on Monday evening after spotting a recruitment event for Glencore on Career Connect – a website run by Oxford University.

They held a banner outside the entrance of the event which said ‘Climate Criminals: Glencore out’, blocking the path of potential new employees, before police and hotel staff tried to move them on.

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But instead of calling it quits, the group then went to the restaurant door – which was being used as another way into the event after protestors had blocked the entrance.

There, the protesters started handing out leaflets with warnings about Glencore’s alleged poor record on environmental protection.

The group was made up of about 15 university students and Oxford residents who turned up at 24 hours' notice.

It was set up after somebody from the group spotted a recruitment event advertised through Oxford University’s channels.

Oxford Mail:

It said: “We’re looking for graduate trainees to join our oil business as part of our 2020 Global Commercial Graduate Programme.

“The scheme offers you an opportunity to develop in a commercial role within Glencore’s oil business.”

Fergus Green, a spokesperson for Oxford Climate Justice Campaign said: “Around 500 members of the public were leafleted and many hundreds more saw our huge ‘climate criminals: glencore out’ banner.

“Attendants had engaging and supportive conversations with students, local residents, hotel and restaurant guests, and even those who had come with the original intention of attending the event.”

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He added: “With the exception of those with control over booking, we appreciate staff were just trying to get on with their jobs. However, a high class venue such as The Old Bank Hotel also has a responsibility to address the climate crisis.”

Glencore refused to comment about the protest or any of the allegations about protecting the environment.

Oxford University has been contacted for a comment.