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Islamic extremism a 'deadly' problem for charities, William Shawcross says Islamic extremism a 'deadly' problem for charities, William Shawcross says
(5 months later)
Islamist extremism is the "most deadly" problem charities face, the chairman of the sector's watchdog has said.Islamist extremism is the "most deadly" problem charities face, the chairman of the sector's watchdog has said.
William Shawcross, who took on the role at the Charity Commission in October 2012, said it was "ludicrous" that people with convictions for terrorism or money laundering were not automatically disqualified from setting up charities or becoming trustees. William Shawcross, who took on the role at the Charity Commission in October 2012, said it was "ludicrous" that people with convictions for terrorism or money laundering were not automatically disqualified from setting up charities or becoming trustees.
He said he has written to the prime minister, David Cameron, to ask for changes to the law.He said he has written to the prime minister, David Cameron, to ask for changes to the law.
Shawcross told the Sunday Times the commission was taking tough measures against any charity that was "sending cash to extremist groups in Syria" or "dispatching young Britons for training in Syria by al-Qaida or other extremist groups".Shawcross told the Sunday Times the commission was taking tough measures against any charity that was "sending cash to extremist groups in Syria" or "dispatching young Britons for training in Syria by al-Qaida or other extremist groups".
In his first interview since becoming chairman, he said: "The problem of Islamist extremism and charities ... is not the most widespread problem we face in terms of abuse of charities, but is potentially the most deadly. And it is, alas, growing.In his first interview since becoming chairman, he said: "The problem of Islamist extremism and charities ... is not the most widespread problem we face in terms of abuse of charities, but is potentially the most deadly. And it is, alas, growing.
"I'm sure that in places like Syria and Somalia it is very, very difficult for agencies always to know what the end use of their aid is, but they've got to be particularly vigilant.""I'm sure that in places like Syria and Somalia it is very, very difficult for agencies always to know what the end use of their aid is, but they've got to be particularly vigilant."
In February the watchdog was condemned as "feeble" and "not fit for purpose" following an investigation by MPs into its performance.In February the watchdog was condemned as "feeble" and "not fit for purpose" following an investigation by MPs into its performance.
The public accounts committee, chaired by Labour's Margaret Hodge, found the Charity Commission had failed to act robustly to deal with clear cases of abuse and the cross-party group of MPs said they had "little confidence" in the body's ability to address its shortcomings.The public accounts committee, chaired by Labour's Margaret Hodge, found the Charity Commission had failed to act robustly to deal with clear cases of abuse and the cross-party group of MPs said they had "little confidence" in the body's ability to address its shortcomings.
Asked about the criticism, Shawcross said: "We do a lot of great work and have a very dedicated staff ... and to get kicked by Mrs Hodge and other politicians like that is just completely wrong." Asked about the criticism, Shawcross said: "We do a lot of great work and have a very dedicated staff ... and to get kicked by Mrs Hodge and other politicians like that is just completely wrong."
But he said the watchdog needed better funding and stronger legal powers to improve.But he said the watchdog needed better funding and stronger legal powers to improve.