US investigates alleged China-linked funding behind UK pro-Palestine protests
Code Pink has backed Gaza demonstrations in Britain and previously claimed UK leaders were “bought by Zionism”
US politicians are investigating claims that money linked to China has helped fund a group involved in pro-Palestinian protests in Britain.
The Telegraph, which first reported the investigation, said US officials are looking into the UK activities of Code Pink, a far-Left anti-war group which has encouraged supporters to join Gaza protests.
The group has also organised demonstrations outside the Ministry of Defence and British military bases and previously claimed UK leaders were “bought by Zionism”.
The investigation is looking at money linked to Neville Roy Singham, a wealthy American businessman who has been accused of funding groups which promote messages supportive of the Chinese Communist Party.
According to The Telegraph, a UK company linked to Code Pink received more than £190,000 from organisations said to be connected to Singham in 2020 and 2021.
The company reportedly received another £70,000 in 2024 from the People’s Support Foundation, which is also suspected of being part of Singham’s network.
US investigators are now examining whether money from the network has supported political campaigns and protest groups in Britain.
Jason Smith, chairman of the US House Ways and Means Committee, told The Telegraph: “It’s clear from the Ways and Means Committee investigation that Singham’s money and influence does not stop at America’s borders.
“The committee is well aware that Singham’s funding is supporting pro-Hamas and pro-communist causes not only in the United States, but also overseas, including in the United Kingdom.”
A congressional source told the newspaper: “We are aware that China is funding pro-Hamas and leftists in the UK and the US. That is why we are investigating it and will continue to do so.”
Code Pink has regularly campaigned over Israel and Gaza and encouraged activists to join large pro-Palestinian marches.
In May last year, responding to comments from Israeli ministers about the war in Gaza, the group said: “Our leaders bought by Zionism will certainly not, but the people will.”
Code Pink was co-founded by Jodie Evans, Singham’s wife. The organisation has faced growing scrutiny in Washington over its funding and its support for China.
Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, said last year: “Evidence suggests that The People’s Forum and Code Pink have been funded and influenced by Mr Singham and the communist Chinese government.”
The claims have led British MPs to demand an investigation in the UK.
Labour MP Sarah Champion told The Telegraph: “The UK needs to work with the US to investigate the payments, their influence and who is ultimately responsible. We need to present a united front with the US and show zero tolerance.”
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said: “The threat of the Chinese Communist Party is not abstract. It is made up of these cut-outs who industrialise interference in our democracy, organising and deploying groups parroting seditious Chinese Communist Party narratives.”
She added: “The Government must urgently investigate these networks and make full use of the National Security Act to prosecute any unregistered individuals working on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.”
Singham has denied working for China.
He previously said: “I categorically deny and repudiate any suggestion that I am a member of, work for, take orders from, or follow instructions of any political party or government or their representatives.
“I am solely guided by my beliefs, which are my long-held personal views.”
Code Pink has previously called allegations about its funding “a big fat lie”, while co-founder Medea Benjamin has said: “We get zero money from the Chinese Communist Party.”
A UK government spokesman said: “The first duty of government is to protect our national security. That is why we have brought forward some of the most robust measures to defend our country and democracy from state-backed threats.
“Protecting the UK’s democracy and democratic institutions is fundamental to our national security, and we will continue to take whatever action is necessary to safeguard them.”