Sir, No organisation should be above reproach or regulation but, as other funders, charities, non-government organisations and concerned individuals, 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 attack recently (The Times, Charities withdraw support for Cage, March 7).
The trust has a long and distinguished record of support for important civil society work. It has funded work that has made vital contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process, the transition to democracy in South Africa, and to furthering rights and justice, corporate accountability and democratic reform. At times its work has been risky or controversial, but in our experience it has always acted with the greatest integrity.
Lord Alderdice
