HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor orders immediate freeze of all Al-Aqsa assets in the UK [29 May 2003]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 29 May 2003.

Chancellor Gordon Brown today instructed UK financial institutions to freeze all assets belonging to Al-Aqsa Foundation following intelligence reports linking the organisation with terrorist activity. The action has been taken in conjunction with the United States and other international allies.

Gordon Brown said:

“Recent terrorist atrocities in Saudi Arabia and Morocco show that we must remain constantly vigilant and bear down strongly on terrorism and the people who fund it. Today’s action, taken in coordination with our international allies, will ensure that no UK funds belonging to the Al-Aqsa Foundation can be used to support terrorism.”