Paul Weller is suing his former accountants after they stopped working with the musician over public accusations of Israel committing genocide in Gaza.

The former frontman of The Jam has filed a discrimination claim against Harris and Trotter after the firm ended its professional relationship after more than 30 years.

In a pre-action letter, lawyers for Weller said the singer-songwriter was told in March that the accountants and tax advisers would no longer work with the 67-year-old or his companies.

According to the letter, a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm included: “It’s well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide.

“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.”

Protected philosophical beliefs

Lawyers for Weller claim that by ending their services, the firm unlawfully discriminated against the singer’s protected philosophical beliefs including that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state.

Weller said: “I’ve always spoken out against injustice, whether it’s apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe.

“I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out.

“Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship – it’s complicity.

“I’m taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Weller will donate any damages he receives to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.

Gig for Gaza

The musician alleged Israel was committing genocide at a £28-a-ticket Gig for Gaza at the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London in December.

The event was billed as raising “funds and support for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza”. It was set up to raise money for two charities, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Gaza Forever.