BP has decided to end its high-profile and often controversial sponsorship of the Tate after almost three decades but denies it is in response to years of protests against the deal. The oil giant said it will not renew its contract after the current deal ends in 2017 and saying the decision was due to an "extremely challenging business environment." However, protest groups are already claiming it is a response to a change in tide when it comes to public opinion about oil industry sponsorship.