CULTURE SECRETARY Lucy Frazer sparked a furious backlash today when she claimed that oil firms should receive a round of applause for donating to museums and galleries, rather than criticism from climate campaigners.

She made the remarks at the launch of a report by right-wing think tank Onward on philanthropy.

Ms Frazer said: “It has to start with applauding, not seeking to find fault with, those organisations who give generously, whether that’s through sponsorships or donations.