A long-standing charitable event at the Tower of London, previously known as ‘Jailed & Bailed’ and now renamed ‘Escape From The Tower’, has been disrupted by the Red Cross's new policy on corporate partnerships. The event, which has raised significant funds for the Red Cross for many years, involves Masters of City of London livery companies being ‘arrested’ and then securing their release by raising a ‘bail payment’ through donations.
This year, the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers was informed by the Red Cross that they could not participate due to representing an “unethical” industry. Similarly, the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, one of the oldest livery companies, was reportedly blacklisted due to its links with the defense industry. These exclusions have led to widespread dissatisfaction among the livery companies.
In response to the outcry, Red Cross CEO Beatrice Butsana-Sita issued a clarifying statement expressing gratitude for the livery companies’ long-standing support. However, the statement also acknowledged awareness of a “very small number of livery companies with direct public association with, or funding from, our excluded industries.”
This clarification has not appeased many participants. A prominent liveryman stated that if certain companies are excluded, then many others will refuse to take part, highlighting that livery companies collectively contribute approximately £81 million annually to charities. The situation has led to accusations that the Red Cross has “shot themselves in the foot,” potentially jeopardizing future fundraising. The Red Cross has assured that it greatly values its partnership with London’s livery companies and is engaging directly with them to provide clarification and reaffirm the importance of their continued support.