Support for Joseph Rowntree Trust after Jihadi John controversy

Prominent figures including Joanna Lumley and former Labour leader Neil Kinnock have rallied round the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRT) following criticism over grants made to advocacy group Cage.

They are among 190 individuals who have written a letter to a national newspaper saying the charity had made “vital contributions” to the Northern Ireland peace process and transition to democracy in South Africa.

The trust is one of two charities subject to Charity Commission scrutiny in light of the group's links to the Islamic State killer nicknamed “Jihadi John”.

In the letter, the individual’s state: “We affirm the right of charities and foundations to freely pursue their objectives within the law.

“In doing so, we express our support for the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, which has come under regulatory pressure and media attacks in recent days.”

Cage hit the headlines after research director Asim Qureshi described the killer known as Jihadi John, Mohammed Emwazi, as an “extremely gentle” and “beautiful young man”.

It was then revealed the trust and the Roddick Foundation were being investigated by the Charity Commission after it was discovered they had funded the group to the tune of £425,000 between them.

Both charities have now publicly severed ties with Cage.