Key Takeaways
- A UK-based pro-Palestinian organisation, Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP), has had its bank account frozen by Virgin Money due to an investigation into Palestine Action, despite having no affiliation with the group.
- The account freeze has been attributed to an investigation into Palestine Action, which was banned under the Terrorism Act, and has left GMFP’s funds inaccessible.
- Another pro-Palestinian organisation, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, has also had its bank account frozen by Unity Trust Bank, with thousands of pounds remaining inaccessible.
- The National Crime Agency (NCA) has declined to comment on the bank account freezes, while counter-terrorism police have not responded to queries.
Introduction to the Issue
A grassroots pro-Palestinian organisation in the UK, Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP), has been dealt a significant blow after its bank account was frozen by Virgin Money. The reason for the freeze, as revealed by the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, is an investigation into Palestine Action, a direct action group that was banned under the Terrorism Act. Despite having no affiliation with Palestine Action, GMFP’s account remains blocked, leaving the organisation’s funds inaccessible. This move has been widely condemned, with GMFP’s treasurer, John Nicholson, describing it as an "absolute abuse" of the ban’s implications.
The Impact on GMFP
GMFP is a peaceful organisation that organises protests, vigils, and other activities to support the Palestinian cause. Its listed activities include letter-writing, consumer boycotting, and social media campaigns, among others. The organisation has held demonstrations in support of Palestine Action prisoners, but it is not affiliated with the group. Nicholson, 71, has expressed his dismay at the account freeze, stating that GMFP’s bank account has had no transactions to or from Palestine Action. The freeze has not only affected GMFP but also Nicholson personally, as his joint personal account with his partner, Norma Turner, was closed by Yorkshire Building Society without explanation in September.
Investigation and Lack of Transparency
The investigation into Palestine Action has led to a lack of transparency regarding the bank account freezes. While Green’s office was told by Greater Manchester police (GMP) that the account was frozen due to an investigation into Palestine Action, the police force later stated that it was not involved in the freezing of the account. This raises the prospect that another law enforcement organisation, potentially the National Crime Agency (NCA), is carrying out the investigation. The NCA has declined to comment on the matter, while counter-terrorism police have not responded to queries. This lack of transparency has only added to the confusion and concern surrounding the account freezes.
The Broader Implications
The account freezes have significant implications for pro-Palestinian organisations in the UK. The ban on Palestine Action has created "fears and uncertainty" over the meaning and effect of proscription, including on broader campaigning around Palestine. Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s experience is a case in point. The organisation’s account with Unity Trust Bank was frozen on the day after the home secretary announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action. Although the block was initially lifted, it was reimposed two days later, leaving thousands of pounds inaccessible. Hussein Ezzedine, a trade union officer at Scottish PSC, has described the move as "outrageous" and an attack on peaceful activists.
Conclusion and Concerns
The account freezes have raised concerns about the impact of the ban on Palestine Action on pro-Palestinian organisations in the UK. The lack of transparency and the broad implications of the ban have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. GMFP and Scottish PSC are not alone in their experiences, and it is likely that other organisations will be affected by the ban. The move has been widely condemned, with many arguing that it is an attack on peaceful activism and an attempt to stifle free speech. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the UK government and law enforcement agencies will respond to the concerns of pro-Palestinian organisations and the broader implications of the ban on Palestine Action.
