Bank accounts belonging to pro-Palestinian groups in the UK are being frozen, even in cases where no direct affiliation with the banned group Palestine Action exists. The actions raise questions about the scope of the government’s response to activism and the potential impact on legitimate humanitarian aid efforts.
Account Freezes Spark Concern
Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP), an organisation that engages in peaceful protests and vigils, has had its funds indefinitely blocked by Virgin Money. This occurred after Palestine Action was banned under the Terrorism Act. Despite having no financial transactions with Palestine Action, GMFP was informed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) – via Deputy Mayor Kate Green – that the freeze was a result of an investigation into the banned group.
John Nicholson, GMFP’s treasurer, stated the organisation’s work focuses on supporting those affected by the conflict in Palestine, including providing aid to people in Gaza and the West Bank. He argues that the extension of the ban’s implications to groups with no connection to Palestine Action is “an absolute abuse.”
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Scottish PSC) is also affected. Its account with Unity Trust Bank was frozen on June 24th, the day after then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action. While initially lifted after the bank was informed of a previous payment link to Palestine Action on the group’s website, the block was reimposed and remains in place, leaving “thousands of pounds inaccessible.”
Unclear Authority and Investigation
The situation is further complicated by conflicting information regarding the source of the account freezes. While GMP informed Deputy Mayor Green that the GMFP account was frozen due to an investigation into Palestine Action, the police force simultaneously stated it was not directly involved in the freeze. This suggests another law enforcement organisation may be conducting the investigation. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and counter-terrorism police have not responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
The account freezes were cited in a recent legal challenge to the ban on Palestine Action, highlighting “fears and uncertainty over the meaning and effect of proscription, including on broader campaigning around Palestine.” Hussein Ezzedine, a trade union officer at Scottish PSC, stated that Unity Trust Bank confirmed the block on their account was imposed by the NCA, calling it “outrageous” that peaceful activists are under investigation by the country’s highest crime investigation force.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palestine Action?
Palestine Action is a direct action group that was banned under the Terrorism Act, according to the source.
What has Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP) been doing?
GMFP organizes peaceful protests and vigils and supports people in Palestine through aid and advocacy, according to the source.
Is there clarity on which agency is responsible for freezing the accounts?
No. Greater Manchester Police stated they were not directly involved in freezing the GMFP account, despite initially informing the Deputy Mayor that it was due to an investigation into Palestine Action, according to the source.
As investigations continue and the legal challenge to the ban on Palestine Action progresses, it remains to be seen whether these accounts will be unfrozen and what safeguards will be put in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
