The freeze occurred in the days after a separate organisation, the direct action group Palestine Action, was banned as a ‘terrorist’ organisation by the Labour Government. On 10th July 2025, treasurer John Nicholson discovered their internet banking access had been completely blocked. Unlike bank account closures which require two months’ notice to customers, GM Friends of Palestine says the freeze gives them no access to funds and no way to make representations. Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine has been using donations to support Palestinian NGOs, including the Middle East Children’s Alliance, Palestinian doctors, and the Palestinian Amputee Football Association which provides sports facilities to disabled Palestinians. Over the past 18 months, GM Friends of Palestine says it has distributed approximately £30,000 worth of aid to Palestinian groups in Gaza and the West Bank.

Source: The Times July 21, 2025 15:56 UTC