Braverman: Some charities are «politically motivated activists masquerading as humanitarians»

Claire Moseley, founder of Care4Calais, is no longer a charity trustee. Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Swella Braverman said some charities are «politically motivated activists masquerading as humanitarian organizations» after exposing «misconduct» in one of the main voluntary groups opposed to deportation flights from Rwanda .

The Home Secretary has openly attacked some charities and civil society groups for being «actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration» and being part of an «establishment», including immigration lawyers, «committed to ever-increasing migration.»

< p >The company has called a £340,000 payment from the charity to the personal account of Care4Calais founder and former trustee Claire Moseley 'inappropriate', saying she put her funds at 'undue risk'.

This was one of the cases. a number of historic missteps by the charity, including a conflict of interest between two trustees that constituted «misconduct» and «inadequate» handling of complaints, including complaints against one trustee that was being investigated by another trustee with whom they were associated.< /p>

Ms Braverman said: “The Charity Commission found serious irregularities at Care4Calais, which is worrying but not particularly surprising. As is the case with some immigration lawyers, it is clear that some charities and civil society groups are actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration.

“They are part of an establishment committed to ever-increasing migration with no regard for the will British people. These groups are made up of politically motivated activists masquerading as humanitarians. This is a fraud. But the British public is not fooled.»

Suella Braverman argues that some charities are «actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration.» Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Orlando Frazier C.S. , Chairman of the Charities Commission, said: “Our investigation found that for a significant period of time and after rapidly expanding its operations, Care4Calais was poorly managed. His funds were at risk, and the former trustees committed serious violations and/or mismanagement.”

However, he said there had been «significant» improvements following the commission's intervention and the resignation of Ms. Moseley and her sister, as well as the efforts of the current new group of trustees.

Ms. Moseley resigned earlier this year. one year after complaints that she used pepper spray on a refugee in self-defense and threatened to drag a female volunteer out of the room by her hair.

Ms Moseley then apologized, stating that as a young person in a powerful organization, she «had been placed in many positions where I had to make difficult and high-pressure decisions» and that it would be misleading to assume that she had left. resigned after the allegations were made public.

The Commission said it found payments of £340,092.47 from the charity to her personal account, which it said were intended to reimburse her for bills she had paid on behalf of the organisation. charity. The arrangement has saved Care4Calais around £3,000 a year in currency exchange fees, she said.

The regulator's investigation concluded that while no funds were misused or misappropriated for personal gain , such an arrangement was «inappropriate and exposed the charity's funds to undue risk.»

Responding to the findings, Ms. Moseley stated that she «always followed the advice of our lawyers, accountants and auditors when working with Care4Calais» and that independent accountants and auditors «always provided accurate reports on our accounts.»

Claire Moseley said she «always followed the advice of our lawyers, accountants and auditors.» Photo: Natasha Quarmby/Shutterstock

In addition to Ms Moseley, another former trustee of the charity was her sister, and the commission said its investigation «found little evidence». to demonstrate that any past conflicts of interest or loyalties that may have existed have been properly managed.”

The regulator said the situation was made worse by poor record keeping and that this amounted to “misconduct and/or mismanagement.”

Misconduct and/or mismanagement was also found in relation to the number of trustees the charity had, with only two between 2020 and 2021.

The commission stated that a dispute between board members made them unwilling or unable to resolve their conflict, and additional trustees were subsequently appointed during the course of the work. request.

Previous handling of complaints has also been cited as inadequate: in at least one instance, a trustee dealt with a complaint against another trustee who was a relative and “failed to identify or resolve the conflict of interest and/or loyalty.

The commission also said that the charity's decision to take part in legal proceedings challenging the government's plans to deport some migrants to Rwanda was «duly taken, properly documented and within reasonable limits available to the trustees of this foundation.» charity.»

Mr Fraser added that he was «well aware» that the work of the charity «has generated attention and controversy» but insisted that the regulator «would not be influenced by political debate, and we must not prevent charities from contributing to development.” their goals are in line with the law set by Parliament.»

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, said the charity is now working with «a brand new board of trustees that recognizes that the growth in our humanitarian work since 2015 has been significant outpaced the development of governance structures for the charitable organization.”