A long-standing charitable event held at the Tower of London, which has raised significant funds for the Red Cross, has been disrupted by the organization's new policies regarding industry affiliations. The event, formerly known as 'Jailed & Bailed' and now renamed 'Escape From The Tower,' involves participants from City of London livery companies being 'arrested' and then raising funds for their release.
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 "links with the defence industry." These decisions have sparked considerable resentment among livery company members.
An eminent liveryman stated that the Red Cross's stance was unexpected, noting the Gunmakers' company tests firearms used by the police. The Red Cross, led by CEO Beatrice Butsana-Sita since 2023, issued a clarifying note expressing gratitude for the livery companies' support but acknowledged that it does not accept donations from specific excluded industries. The organization stated it was aware of "a very small number of livery companies with direct public association with, or funding from, our excluded industries."
This explanation did not sit well with many participants. A liveryman indicated that a majority of Masters have stated they will not take part if other companies are excluded. This sentiment suggests a significant blow to the Red Cross's fundraising efforts, as these companies collectively contribute approximately £81 million annually to charities. One liveryman remarked that the Red Cross had "really shot themselves in the foot."
The Red Cross has affirmed its valuation of the partnership and the generosity of London's livery companies, emphasizing that it is in direct communication with the affected companies to provide clarification and reaffirm the value of their continued support.