Exhibit 23(a)

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this
Registration  Statement on Form S-8  pertaining to the BP Deferred  Compensation
Plan and to the  incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February
13, 2001, with respect to the consolidated  financial statements and schedule of
BP p.l.c. included in its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December
31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.





London, England                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 7, 2001                                        Ernst & Young LLP