EU challenged over bias on charity funding

THE new International Development Secretary has confronted Brussels over evidence EU officials are passing over British charities for funding.

Alok Sharma raised cases of the EU apparently “discriminating” against UK aid organisations because of the country’s decision to leave the bloc.

Mr Sharma urged charity chiefs to report any evidence of “unfair treatment” so he could raise it with EU officials.

His intervention came after Theresa May’s government refused to endorse billions of pounds in EU spending when the row first erupted last year.

Some charities and companies could lose existing EU funding in a no-deal scenario. But British organisations will be free to continue bidding for cash from pots such as the European Development Fund which finances aid efforts in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, as a result of the UK’s continuing membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

In a letter sent to charities on Friday, Mr Sharma said: “We have been in direct communication with the EU Commission, and despite their reassurance that all organisations are treated equally I understand there have been further reported instances of discrimination.

“I will continue to raise further reported cases with them and continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Mr Sharma added: “I appreciate the candid communications you have had on this issue with my officials.

“I must emphasise that we rely on your reports and supporting evidence where available, so please continue to report any unfair treatment to my officials overseeing this work.”