Story perspectives

UK Govt Orders Probe into Charities Funding Illegal Settlements

6/12/2026

Summary

Starmer Bans Settlements

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Parliament that no UK charity should support illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy wrote to the Charity Commission requesting an investigation into UK charities with links to illegal settlements.
Middle East Minister David Falconer met Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth to discuss the concerns.
Labour MP Melanie Ward lodged a formal complaint naming 32 charities that she says have funneled £28 million to illegal Israeli settlements over the past five years.
The government announced new sanctions targeting networks that support extremist settlements in the West Bank.
The Charity Commission said it is carefully considering the complaints and will work with the Foreign Office to produce guidance for the voluntary sector.
The regulator noted the issue is complex and will consider the legal implications before taking action.

Summary

Toremet Warned

The Charity Commission said it does not administer gift-aid and cannot investigate Geneva Conventions Act breaches.
UK Toremet says its football programme offers a safe space for youth and qualifies as charitable under English law.
Regulators warned UK Toremet trustees to comply with the Geneva Conventions Act for Palestine work.
Palestinian-American farmer Yaser Alkam of Turmus Ayya said settlers attacked him while harvesting olives and that settlement donations affect Palestinians, landowners.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the European Union adopted policies that affected its funding decisions. Inspired by that framework, Britain’s Charity Commission, urged by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, is now probing charities alleged to funnel money to West Bank settlements, a move that could extend EU-style restrictions to UK organisations.

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Starmer Bans Settlements

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Parliament that no UK charity should support illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy wrote to the Charity Commission requesting an investigation into UK charities with links to illegal settlements.
Middle East Minister David Falconer met Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth to discuss the concerns.
Labour MP Melanie Ward lodged a formal complaint naming 32 charities that she says have funneled £28 million to illegal Israeli settlements over the past five years.
The government announced new sanctions targeting networks that support extremist settlements in the West Bank.
The Charity Commission said it is carefully considering the complaints and will work with the Foreign Office to produce guidance for the voluntary sector.
The regulator noted the issue is complex and will consider the legal implications before taking action.

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