Full Breakdown
Bank Account Freezes Impact Pro-Palestinian Organizations in the UK
12/25/2025, 10:32:21 PM
Overview of the Core Event
The Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP), a grassroots pro-Palestinian organization, has had its bank account frozen indefinitely by Virgin Money due to an investigation into Palestine Action, a group recently banned under the Terrorism Act. Despite GMFP's lack of affiliation with Palestine Action, the freezing of its account has raised significant concerns about the implications for peaceful activism supporting Palestine.
Background & Context
The situation escalated following the UK government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action, which has led to increased scrutiny and restrictions on organizations perceived to be associated with it. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and her predecessor, Yvette Cooper, have publicly stated that while supporting Palestine is acceptable, supporting Palestine Action is not. This stance has created a chilling effect on organizations like GMFP, which aim to provide humanitarian support to Palestinians.
Key Figures & Groups
- Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP): A grassroots organization focused on peaceful activism, including protests and vigils for Palestinian rights.
- Shabana Mahmood: Current Home Secretary, involved in the decision to ban Palestine Action.
- Yvette Cooper: Former Home Secretary, who initiated the proscription process against Palestine Action.
- Kate Green: Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, who communicated with GMFP regarding the account freeze.
- Hussein Ezzedine: Trade union officer at the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Scottish PSC), which has also faced similar account freezes.
Official Statements & Responses
In a letter to GMFP's treasurer, John Nicholson, Kate Green confirmed that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) indicated the account freeze was linked to the investigation into Palestine Action. However, GMP later stated it was not involved in the account's freezing, suggesting that another law enforcement agency may be responsible. Nicholson expressed frustration, stating, “It’s an absolute abuse for the implications of this ban to extend so widely that bank accounts of ordinary Palestinian supporting groups should be closed.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the freezing of GMFP's account represents an overreach of government power and a direct attack on peaceful activism. Hussein Ezzedine from the Scottish PSC emphasized the impact on peaceful activists, stating, “It’s outrageous.” The legal challenges against the ban on Palestine Action highlight fears regarding the broader implications for campaigning around Palestine.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding which law enforcement agency is responsible for the account freezes. While GMP communicated that it was not involved, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has not commented on the situation, leaving questions about the enforcement of the proscription and its effects on organizations like GMFP and Scottish PSC.
What's Next
The ongoing legal challenges against the ban on Palestine Action may further illuminate the implications of these account freezes and the broader impact on pro-Palestinian activism in the UK. As organizations continue to face scrutiny, the discourse surrounding the support for Palestine remains contentious and fraught with legal and financial uncertainties.
