A LEGAL practice in Blackburn has been urged to stop financing a well-known aid charity amid allegations of "terrorist" links and anti-Semitic propaganda.

But solicitor Shabaz Ahmed, partner at AA Law in Corporation Street, is adamant his firm will not waver in their support for War On Want, which is embroiled in a bitter battle with UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLI).

He estimates he has given "tens of thousands of pounds" to War On Want and, after witnessing their philanthropic efforts first-hand in South America, he remains committed to their cause.

UKLI has lodged a complaint with the Charities Commission over claims that a disproportionate amount of their funding is concentrated on "Palestinian political campaigns is not in keeping with its charitable objects".

Jonathan Turner, UKLI's chief executive, said: "The name War on Want is a misnomer. Much of their effort is devoted to a propaganda war against Israel, instead of combatting poverty in the really poor countries of the world.

"This misuse of charitable funds leaves children in Africa to starve, while promoting the goals of terrorists in the Middle East."

Their letter to AA Law, signed by director Caroline Turner, also refers the company to the Solicitors Regulation Authority's code of conduct, claiming they are running the risk of not "acting with integrity" in continuing to fund War on Want.

Mr Ahmed says he takes exception to UKLI's mention of the SRA.

In his letter to the UKLI, he added: "We will not be dictated to by you or any other organisation, whether friend or foe, in stopping this work.

"As far as War On Want is concerned they are a campaigning charity who do great things internationally. Their support for the oppressed is second to none. Their support for justice should be applauded."

He says they also work in Bangladesh, Colombia and Honduras, as well as hosting projects in the UK.

War on Want was unavailable for comment as the Telegraph went to press.