GB News Pays Substantial Damages to Islamic Relief Over False Terrorism Allegations

In a significant legal settlement, news channel GB News has paid “substantial” libel damages to Islamic Relief after broadcasting false accusations that the Muslim humanitarian charity had funded terrorist organizations in the Middle East.

The case stems from comments made during a February 16 broadcast of The Camilla Tominey Show, where a guest identified as a “political strategist and analyst” claimed that Islamic Relief was banned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to investigations showing it transferred funds to terrorist groups.

In a High Court statement read on Wednesday, Islamic Relief’s solicitor Dominic Garner told Mr Justice Nicklin that the allegations were “wholly and categorically false,” emphasizing that “Islamic Relief has not engaged in, or in any way facilitated, the sending of money to any terrorist group or entity.”

GB News had already published an apology on its website in September, approximately a month after making a settlement offer. The broadcaster also aired an apology on Tominey’s show and agreed to remove all related content from its platforms, in addition to paying damages and legal costs.

The case highlights the serious consequences media organizations can face when platforming unverified claims against established charities. Founded in 1984, Islamic Relief is one of the UK’s most prominent Muslim humanitarian organizations, operating in over 40 countries worldwide providing disaster relief and development programs.

For Islamic Relief, the false allegations struck particularly deep. A spokesperson for the charity stated: “Given that our own humanitarian workers have themselves been killed by terrorists, these allegations are particularly offensive and deeply troubling. They perpetuate disinformation that not only threatens the lives of our colleagues, but also our beneficiaries.”

The settlement represents an important vindication for Islamic Relief, which has previously faced unfounded allegations. Such false claims can significantly impact charitable organizations, potentially affecting donations, partnerships with other NGOs, and their ability to operate in conflict zones where humanitarian access is already challenging.

This case comes at a time when Muslim charities globally have reported facing increased scrutiny and barriers to their humanitarian work, often stemming from misconceptions and prejudice. Financial institutions have sometimes been reluctant to process transactions for Muslim charities operating in conflict areas due to concerns about counter-terrorism financing regulations, a phenomenon known as “de-risking.”

Media law experts note that this settlement demonstrates the UK’s robust libel laws, which hold broadcasters to high standards regarding potentially damaging allegations made by guests. While news organizations typically seek to verify claims before broadcasting, live or semi-live formats can present particular challenges when guests make unexpected statements.

For GB News, launched in 2021 as a right-leaning alternative to traditional British broadcasters, this settlement marks one of its most significant legal challenges to date. The channel has positioned itself as an outspoken voice challenging mainstream narratives, but this case underscores the legal boundaries of such an approach.

After the court proceedings, Garner confirmed that Islamic Relief was “satisfied that it has secured proper vindication and that the record has been corrected.” The charity can now refocus on its humanitarian mission, while the case serves as a reminder of the media’s responsibility to fact-check serious allegations, particularly those that could harm organizations working in already difficult circumstances.