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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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22 December 2008

Forwarded Alert: UK – Barclays decision to close UWT account

19 December 2008

Barclays 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.
Help UWT now! Contact Barclays and ask for a reason of account closure and inform them that you and your associates will be closing your accounts if the decision is not immediately reversed.

Your support is vital for the cause of humanity.

You can contact Barclays Bank in the following ways:

Call Barclays now on 0800 282 390 / 0207 116 7488

Email Barclays Business Manager Mr. Columb O’shea: columb.oshea@barclays.com and Mr. John Varley: john.varley@barclays.com

Write to:

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

[sample letter below]

[INSERT Your Name and Address details here]

John Varley
Group Chief Executive
Barclays Bank PLC
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP
[Insert the date here]

Dear Mr Varley,

I would like to express my shock and grave concern over the recent news that Barclays Bank has decided to close the accounts of Ummah Welfare Trust without providing any reason.

Ummah Welfare Trust is a leading UK registered International Relief and Development charity operating in over twenty five countries. The decision will affect millions of people who rely on the trust’s projects. The trust has been at the forefront of responding to disasters and targeting charities in this manner seems to be a conceited attempt to stop the good work in politically-sensitive regions by leading British Muslim charities. The trust has also funded projects in the UK such as donating £25,000 to the University Hospitals of Leicester and £2,000 to the Gloucestershire Floods Appeal.

Sir, the decision of Barclays Bank would also create negative perception of British Financial Institutions across the world. I fail to understand the basis of this decision and would appreciate an explanation of your decision. I would also request you to review your decision to avoid unnecessary disruption. Otherwise, I will urge all friends and colleagues to close their accounts with Barclays Bank.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

[INSERT Your Name and Signature here]

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Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org