War on Want's political activities sanctioned by Charities' Commission
This article was originally posted in The Jewish Chronicle on May 16, 2008 as "Charity’s anti-Israel stance sanctioned by watchdog".
[Excerpts:]
"The Charity Commission has supported the right of War on Want to be involved in a pro-Palestinian demonstration last weekend."
"But the commission stated this week that it is satisfied that the anti-poverty group is working within the rules. A spokesman for the charity watchdog said: ‘The concerns that the commission considered related predominantly to War on Want’s support for trade sanctions against Israel.’"
"Following discussions with the charity, during which it clarified the strategy behind this support, we are satisfied that the trustees understand our guidance on political campaigning and that the charity’s activities are linked to its charitable objects. Accordingly, we will not be looking to take any further action with regard to this point."
"But the commission stated this week that it is satisfied that the anti-poverty group is working within the rules. A spokesman for the charity watchdog said: ‘The concerns that the commission considered related predominantly to War on Want’s support for trade sanctions against Israel.’"
"Following discussions with the charity, during which it clarified the strategy behind this support, we are satisfied that the trustees understand our guidance on political campaigning and that the charity’s activities are linked to its charitable objects. Accordingly, we will not be looking to take any further action with regard to this point."
