Millions of people will suffer by Barclays Bank’s decision to close UWT account. The Ummah Welfare Trust (UWT) is dismayed by receiving a 30 day notice from Barclays to close their bank account. The trust has been banking with Barclays since its inception in 2001 in order to carry out relief operations in over twenty countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East providing support to over a million people.

Barclays Bank has given no apparent reason to why the notice has been served. UWT Director of Operations Mohammed Ahmed said in a statement, “We are deeply concerned with Barclays Bank’s decision to close our accounts without any justification. This decision will not only affect the great work carried out by UWT but will affect millions of people who rely on UWT. This decision sets a dangerous precedent of disrupting British charities without any substance, especially as INTERPAL is in the process of having its bank accounts closed by Lloyds TSB. Targeting charities in this way shows there is a conceited attempt to stop the good work in politically-sensitive regions by leading British Muslim charities.

UWT is calling on all supporters and friends to urge Barclays Bank to review its decision so UWT can continue its humanitarian projects across the world without any disruption. UWT would like to reassure its supporters this is a decision of a bank and does not reflect the view of the Charity Commission.
Notes to Editors:

* Ummah Welfare Trust is a UK registered international relief and development charity operating in over 25 countries. For further details, visit www.uwt.org or contact: UWT Head Office, 351 Derby St. Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL3 6LR.

T: 01204 383 732.
E: info@uwt.org

* For all media enquires, please contact the Media Officer on 01204 383 732.

You can help the UWT by doing the following:

CONTACT:

1. Barclays, and express your concern that registered charities can be treated in such a manner. Write to:

John Varley
Group Chief Executive
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP

2. Your Local MP to apply pressure on the government to act against Barclays’s misconduct towards Ummah Welfare Trust; express your anxiety that the decision of Barclays will set a precedant for banks to close accounts of Islamic charities and organisations.

3. The Charity Commission, to express your support for Ummah Welfare Trust and your concern at the possible implications (Tel: 0845 3000218).

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