Equity criticised for donating funds to Gaza

BRITAIN’S top actors’ union has been accused of “straying from its purpose” by members after it sent money to the Red Cross in Palestine.

Sources within Equity have complained the organisation intended to represent performers is straying into irrelevant activities.

Meeting minutes seen by the Telegraph show a donation by the union’s Brighton branch was approved overall by Johnny Worthy, a local member and trustee, alongside Imelda Staunton and Dame Judi Dench.

According to the minutes, assurances were given that “not a sou” of the money would go to Israel.

The union has said the decision to donate a small sum was voted through by members in accordance with proper procedures.

However, some Equity members expressed concerns that the union has used funds for an “irrelevant” cause, and that it is “straying” from its central purpose. One local member has complained that Equity members engaging in unrelated debates is putting off young performers who might otherwise join union activities.

Another former member raised concerns about the group’s political culture, saying “many Jewish members have left Equity since 2021 and they continue to do so”. They also said debates about the Middle East have “nothing to do with a union whose job is supposed to represent performers in the UK”.

The union faced a Jewish exodus in 2021 when leaders backed calls to boycott Israel, prompting Dame Maureen Lipman to walk out. Union members called for mass action amid the 2021 crisis in Gaza, which was hit by airstrikes after security forces stormed the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Following renewed violence in the Middle East, Equity’s political stance became a cause of concern among members who feared being “blacklisted” for having any connection to Israel.

Equity has stated the motion to send money to what is understood as a Red Cross and Red Crescent joint appeal for Gaza was done with the consent of members. A statement from the union said: “The motion went through the appropriate democratic process and was passed by branch members. In accordance with Equity’s branch standing orders, branch members are able to choose how to spend branch funds - including charitable donations - subject to a vote.