The UK’s Charity Commission has initiated a compliance case into Policy Exchange, a prominent think-tank, following a detailed complaint by the Good Law Project. The 27-page complaint alleges that Policy Exchange, registered as a charity, has violated charity law by engaging in partisan activities rather than fulfilling its stated mission of non-partisan public education. The think-tank, founded in 2002 by Conservative MPs, is accused of lobbying, influencing government policy, and producing biased reports. The Good Law Project claims that Policy Exchange’s activities are primarily aimed at policymakers, politicians, and journalists, rather than educating the public in a balanced manner. The complaint also highlights the think-tank’s focus on right-wing politics, including a year-long festival celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s centenary and its controversial stance on transgender issues. Policy Exchange has been influential in shaping counter-terrorism policies and was a key promoter of the discredited ‘Trojan Horse’ narrative, which falsely accused Muslim teachers of plotting to Islamize Birmingham schools. Despite the controversy, Policy Exchange continues to produce reports on topics such as Islamophobia and Churchill’s legacy. The Good Law Project has urged the Charity Commission to take action, warning of potential legal challenges if the regulator fails to address the alleged breaches.
