A grassroots pro-Palestinian organization in the United Kingdom, Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine (GMFP), has had its bank account frozen amid an investigation into the direct action group Palestine Action. The decision to freeze the account was communicated to GMFP by Virgin Money, which cited the ongoing investigation as the reason for the action. GMFP has stated that it has no affiliation with Palestine Action, which has been involved in direct protests and actions against companies perceived to be complicit in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
The freezing of GMFP’s account comes in the wake of a legal ruling that led to Palestine Action being banned under the Terrorism Act. This ban has raised significant concerns among various organizations and advocacy groups regarding the implications for freedom of expression and the right to protest. The situation has drawn attention to the broader context of how financial institutions are responding to political activism, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Founded in 2014, GMFP is known for organizing peaceful protests, vigils, and educational events aimed at raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. The organization has emphasized its commitment to non-violent activism and has distanced itself from the more confrontational tactics employed by Palestine Action. Despite this, the freezing of its account has raised questions about the potential repercussions for organizations that advocate for Palestinian rights, especially in an environment where financial institutions may be increasingly cautious about their associations.
The deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, who informed GMFP of the account freeze, has expressed concern over the implications of such actions on civil society organizations. The deputy mayor’s office has indicated that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to support GMFP in its efforts to regain access to its funds. The freezing of the account has left GMFP in a precarious position, as it relies on donations and fundraising to support its activities.
The timeline of events leading to the account freeze began with the legal challenges faced by Palestine Action, which has been involved in high-profile protests against companies that manufacture or supply arms to Israel. In July 2025, a court ruling upheld the government’s decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a designation that has been met with widespread criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts. Critics argue that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of political activism and could lead to further restrictions on organizations advocating for marginalized communities.
The implications of this situation extend beyond GMFP and Palestine Action. The freezing of bank accounts linked to political activism raises concerns about the potential for financial institutions to act as gatekeepers of political expression. As organizations like GMFP navigate the complexities of fundraising and advocacy, the risk of financial repercussions may deter individuals and groups from engaging in political activism altogether.
In the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the actions taken against GMFP and Palestine Action reflect the heightened tensions surrounding discussions of Palestinian rights. The UK has seen a rise in pro-Palestinian activism in recent years, particularly in response to escalations in violence and humanitarian crises in the region. However, this activism has also faced backlash, with some government officials and organizations labeling it as anti-Semitic or extremist.
The freezing of GMFP’s account has sparked discussions about the need for clearer guidelines regarding the financial support of political organizations. Advocates for civil liberties argue that financial institutions should not be used as tools for political repression and that organizations should be able to operate freely without fear of losing access to their funds due to their political beliefs.
As the investigation into Palestine Action continues, GMFP is exploring its options for challenging the account freeze. The organization has stated its intention to seek legal advice and is considering public campaigns to raise awareness about its situation. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the future of political activism in the UK, particularly for groups advocating for Palestinian rights.
In conclusion, the freezing of Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine’s bank account amid an investigation into Palestine Action underscores the complexities and challenges faced by grassroots organizations engaged in political advocacy. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the responses from both financial institutions and government entities, as well as the potential impact on civil society and political expression in the UK.
