The Charity Commission is assessing concerns at Save the Children UK over a social media post in which it criticised Keir Starmer’s legacy in the Israel-Gaza crisis.
Save the Children UK accused the outgoing prime minister on X of complicity in “Israel’s atrocities” against Palestinians through the supply of F-35 fighter jet parts.
The charity called for the end of arms sales to Israel, a suspension of the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement and a ban on illegal Israeli settlements.
Its post on 14 July drew concerns from development minister Jenny Chapman, in comments made to Sky News last Wednesday, who criticised the charity and said she had a “robust” conversation with its head.
“I understand that many of us, me included, have got strong views on Israel, Gaza, and those issues,” she said.
“But I think using words like complicity, talking about witnessing the murder of children, and the way that they've gone about it, I think it diminishes Save the Children as a charity.”
Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that a government source had warned the post could increase anxiety among MPs worried about their security following Ann Widdecombe’s death on 8 July.
The commission has now confirmed that it is looking into the post, still on X, in which the charity called on Andy Burnham, who becomes prime minister today, to change the government’s stance.
“Our assessment of these concerns will determine what regulatory role there might be for the commission,” a spokesperson for the regulator said.
Charities can use social media to campaign and engage in political activity, the commission’s guidance shows, but must adhere to any restrictions in their governing documents.
In a statement, Save the Children UK said: “Our ongoing campaign aims to highlight this government’s political legacy of inaction and complicity.
“We recognise that this is a divisive and sensitive issue.
“The safety of parliamentarians and all those involved in making and shaping policy is paramount.”
On 7 October, armed Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel and killed about 1,200 people, taking 251 hostages, according to the BBC and other sources.
Since then, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 73,000 people in Gaza, according to the Financial Times and health officials in the territory.
