Paul Weller claims ‘Israel genocide' accusations are protected by law
The former frontman of The Jam has filed a discrimination claim against Harris and Trotter after the firm ended its professional relationship after more than 30 years.
In a pre-action letter, lawyers for Weller said the singer-songwriter was told in March that the accountants and tax advisers would no longer work with the 67-year-old or his companies.
According to the letter, a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm included: 'It's well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide.
'Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.'
Protected philosophical beliefs
Lawyers for Weller claim that by ending their services, the firm unlawfully discriminated against the singer's protected philosophical beliefs including that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state.
Weller said: 'I've always spoken out against injustice, whether it's apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What's happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe.
'I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out.
'Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship – it's complicity.
'I'm taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.'
Weller will donate any damages he receives to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
Gig for Gaza
The musician alleged Israel was committing genocide at a £28-a-ticket Gig for Gaza at the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London in December.
The event was billed as raising 'funds and support for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza'. It was set up to raise money for two charities, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Gaza Forever.
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But hey, why look at potential problems when you can raise a pitchfork and kick off. BrotherChe Farage is stirring up the crisis Professional agitator Farage is stirring up the crisis for political gain! Reform has NO policies but 'stop the boats' – a problem Labour inherited from the Tories. However, it seems the right-wing media are pushing Farage and Reform as they are the party of the establishment, who would deregulate Britain – only an advantage for the richest few. The small boats crisis also, as giving Farage a single-issue rhetoric, masks the large legal migration that happened under the TORIES – and we are not told how large it is now! Mintman Questionable judgement A questionable judgement. It says to local communities if you don't want these asylum hotels/refugees in your communities, you can protest on the grounds it might make it unsafe for your children on their way home from school, and you get the council to shut them down. 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Bobertson If you don't like immigration, don't cheer invasions A large proportion of recent asylum seekers come from countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya – all countries which have been reduced to ruin by invasions which most of these people enthusiastically supported. If you don't like immigration, don't vote for people like Tony Blair or Lord Snooty Cameron, don't cheer on "Our Boys" when they go rampaging around the world! envious Safe routes are needed Genuine refugees need SAFE routes that the last Tory government took away, and a reintroduction of such routes would probably eliminate the small boats problem. Christopher1959
