Keep Interpal's Bank Account Open

We, the undersigned, are extremely concerned that Interpal, the only UK charity dedicated to relieving the suffering of the people of Palestine, has been asked to clear all funds and has been threatened by Lloyds TSB to have their account closed with no good reason.

Interpal is a reputable charity known for its life saving services it provides in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Gaza is currently under an illegal siege and 80\% of its' 1.5 million population are dependant on external aid for survival.

In recent years, Interpal has consistently faced undue criticism and has been wrongly linked to terrorist activities by those who seek to tarnish the reputation of the organisation. However, it has routinely been the subject of a Charities Commission investigation and on all occasions it has been cleared of any link to terrorism or terrorist activity. On January 4th 2007, the charities commission concluded that Interpal is 'a well run and committed organisation which carries out important work in a part of the world where there is great hardship and suffering'.

Lloyds TSB, the clearing bank for the Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB), has demanded that IBB cease all dealings with Interpal or risk having all their 50,000 customers bank accounts closed. Although an intention very disturbing and disregarding to many, no explanation was provided to the IBB or their customers.

Lloyds TSB refused to provide any explanation or to comment on the issue.

We therefore, urge Lloyds TSB to re-consider their decision which not only threatens the lives of millions of innocent civilians but is a contravention of our values as a country which is dedicated to ensuring fairness for all.