A council of mosques has written a formal letter to HSBC over concerns that bank accounts belonging to Muslim charities were closed 'without explanation'.

Many local and national Muslim charities and organisations have had their accounts shut for a number of years.

But it was not until former UKIP leader Nigel Farage had his bank account shut down by Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, that banks have been forced to explain their reasons behind the closures.

NatWest has since announced an independent review, with lawyers probing the closure of Mr Farage’s account and other instances of de-banking by Coutts.

The Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM) said previous closures of bank accounts run by Muslim volunteers and community groups had caused ‘significant frustrations’.

The LCM statement signed by Abdul Alim Kheratkar, Chair of LCM said: “We understand that banks have a responsibility to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and maintain the integrity of their operations.

"However, the closure of numerous bank accounts without clear explanation has caused significant frustration among Muslim charities and organisations.

“This situation has resulted in delays in funds reaching those in need and has created issues within our Muslim communities.

“Given the frequency and lack of transparency surrounding these closures, we believe it is essential to engage in an open and constructive dialogue to address these concerns.”

The LCM said it wanted ‘an explanation as to why several bank accounts held by Muslim charities and organisations, including those affiliated with the Lancashire Council of Mosques, have been closed abruptly without any prior explanation or warning.’

The letter urges ‘HSBC Bank to improve its communication channels with Muslim charities and organisations to ensure transparency and enable a more efficient resolution of any potential compliance issues.’

It also aims to ‘seek assurance from HSBC Bank that it will provide necessary support and guidance to Muslim charities and organisations, particularly those affected by the closure of bank accounts.’

The statement adds: “We firmly believe that by engaging in a constructive dialogue, we can address the concerns raised by Muslim charities and organisations regarding the closure of bank accounts.

“We sincerely hope that HSBC Bank recognises the importance of this matter and takes prompt action to provide the necessary clarification and support.”

HSBC were asked to respond to the letter.