UK pro-Palestine groups' accounts frozen by authorities

Bank Accounts of Pro-Palestine Groups Frozen, Raising Concerns Over Free Speech

At least two grassroots groups supporting Palestine in the UK have had their bank accounts frozen, sparking fears of broader efforts to stifle advocacy related to Gaza.

Greater Manchester Friends for Palestine (GMFP) and the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), both known for organizing peaceful demonstrations and vigils, have had their funds indefinitely suspended by Virgin Money and Unity Trust Bank, respectively. CuriosityNews has learned that a local branch of PSC in England also had its account frozen, though this could not be independently confirmed.

The move follows the recent ban on Palestine Action and the arrest of over 100 individuals for supporting the group, as well as the threatened detention of a protester carrying a Palestinian flag and a "Free Gaza" sign. These developments have heightened concerns about a clampdown on voices critical of Israel.

Owen Cooper, co-treasurer of GMFP, said the group, which includes bike-riding among its activities, has held peaceful marches for over 18 months without any legal issues. However, Virgin Money declined to explain why the account was frozen.

"If it's simply because 'Palestine' appears in our account name, that's deeply troubling," Cooper said. "It would be both alarming and disheartening if a country that claims to uphold free speech and democracy acts this way—treating ordinary, principled people as extremists."

He added that the freeze has halted financial aid to Gaza and the West Bank. "They're blocking support meant for food and medical supplies," said Cooper. "We're not funding fighter jets or bombs."

Unity Trust Bank describes itself as a financial institution for "socially conscious organizations," including charities and unions.

However, Mick Napier of Scottish PSC's finance committee accused the bank of misconduct. He claimed the account was frozen last month because their website once had a donation link to Palestine Action before the group was banned on July 5. Although the link was removed, the account remains frozen.

"It’s shocking and disgraceful," Napier said. "Our campaign has operated peacefully for 25 years. The sudden account freeze was unexpected, and we're deeply disappointed. We’ve had to resort to alternative, inconvenient methods to cover expenses, which has been extremely difficult."