Bank Accounts of Two UK Pro-Palestine Organisations Frozen

At least two grassroots pro-Palestinian groups in the UK have had their bank accounts frozen, sparking concerns about an effort to suppress voices advocating for Gaza.

Greater Manchester Friends for Palestine (GMFP) and the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), both of which organise peaceful demonstrations and vigils, have lost access to their funds. GMFP's account was frozen by Virgin Money, while Scottish PSC’s was suspended by Unity Trust Bank. Reports also suggest that another local PSC branch in England has experienced a similar freeze, though this remains unconfirmed.

These developments come shortly after the UK government banned the group Palestine Action and arrested over 100 people associated with it, including one peaceful protester reportedly threatened with arrest for displaying a Palestine flag and a “Free Gaza” sign. Such incidents have deepened fears of a broader clampdown on pro-Palestinian activism.

Owen Cooper, GMFP’s co-treasurer, expressed confusion over Virgin Money’s decision, pointing out that the group has been peacefully active for over 18 months without any legal issues. “If the issue is simply that our account name includes ‘Palestine,’ that’s deeply troubling,” said Cooper. “This would suggest a liberal democracy is treating ordinary, conscientious citizens as extremists.”

He added that the freeze prevents GMFP from sending vital aid to Gaza and the West Bank, where funds support food and medical supplies. “We’re not supplying weapons or bombs—we’re trying to help people survive,” Cooper said.

Unity Trust Bank, which brands itself as a preferred bank for socially responsible organisations including charities and trade unions, has also faced backlash. Mick Napier from Scottish PSC’s finance committee criticised the bank’s actions, calling them unjust. He explained that the bank cited a donation link on the group’s website to Palestine Action—prior to its proscription on 5 July—as a reason for freezing the account. Although the donation button was removed after the ban, the account remains inaccessible.

“This has come as a total shock,” Napier said. “We’ve been active for 25 years and supported Palestine Action until it was outlawed. Freezing our funds has caused significant disruption—we’re having to use alternative, impractical methods just to manage basic expenses.”

The Guardian contacted both banks for comment. Neither provided details about the specific cases. Virgin Money stated that account suspensions or closures may occur for various reasons related to compliance with laws and regulations. Unity Trust Bank reiterated its political neutrality and commitment to integrity, noting that it serves a wide array of communities.

Despite those assurances, activists say the lack of transparency and the targeting of peaceful organisations is alarming, particularly as it hinders humanitarian efforts and stifles legitimate political expression.