27/07/10

By Andrew Holt

The Charity Commission has published a report on its investigation into the Atlantic Bridge Education and Research Scheme, the charity founded by defence minister Liam Fox, finding it focused on political, not its educational, objectives.

The Commission found that the charity, which also has the right-wing economist Patrick Minford as a trustee, failed on its educational objectives, which were not advanced by its activities, because of the way it promoted the ‘Special Relationship’ between the US and the UK.

The investigation looked at whether Atlantic Bridge is properly established and registered as a charity; whether its activities are capable of advancing education for the public benefit; and whether it has engaged in any inappropriate political activity.

The Commission concluded that, although Atlantic Bridge is a charity with exclusively charitable purposes and is capable of operating for the public benefit, its educational objects have not been advanced by its activities because of the way it promoted the ‘Special Relationship’.

The Investigation noted that despite the breadth of the objects of the Charity which referred to relations between Europe and North America, the Charity had confined its works to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The Charity placed considerable emphasis on the Special Relationship as exemplified by the Thatcher-Reagan dynamic during their time in office.

The Charity's website previously stated that: "The Atlantic Bridge was founded…with the simple aim of 'Strengthening the Special Relationship' exemplified by the Reagan-Thatcher partnership of the 1980's"

Though the Commission stated the promotion of the Special Relationship is not the purpose of the charity, and nor can it be.

The Commission noted, although it is legitimate for a charity to study, research or educate the public about the ‘Special Relationship’, it is not permissible for a charity to promote a particular pre-determined point of view.

The Commission also concluded that the charity’s activities may lead members of the public to call into question its independence from party politics.

The Commission has made clear to the trustees their legal and regulatory responsibilities and that the way that Atlantic Bridge currently carries out its activities must cease immediately.

The Commission has provided the trustees with regulatory advice and guidance on their obligations under charity law.

As a result of the Commission’s intervention, the trustees have committed to undertake a wide-ranging governance review over the next year and report back to the Commission within two months of its completion.

The Commission’s report also highlights issues for the wider sector.

These include an explanation of the requirements in charity law for educational charities.

This section also stresses that charities must remain independent from political parties at all times.

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