MPs accuse church of 'exploiting vulnerable young people'

SPAC Nation, which works with young people across London, was discussed in parliament after Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, accused the church of “brainwashing [...] those who appear to be most susceptible” before encouraging them to take out fraudulent loans.

Reed described the church as a “cult” and said leaders “targeted mainly at young black people in poorer parts of London”.

He also accused SPAC Nation of coercing young people to break away from their families and move in to so-called “trap houses” run by the organisation.

SPAC Nation is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission. The Metropolitan Police said it was reviewing allegations of fraud and other offences made against the organisation and those involved in it.

Reed called on the government to work with police and crime commissioners to “prevent this organisation, even if only temporarily, from being able to stand outside school gates and youth centres and target young people.”

Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh called for SPAC Nation to be temporarily stripped of its charitable status.

“The Charity Commission can often move very slowly,” the Mitcham and Morden MP said. “And given the seriousness of the allegations, would there not be a possibility of suspending charitable status while the investigations are going ahead?”

Culture minister Helen Whatley called the allegations “deeply, deeply concerning” but said she could not make any further comments while investigations were ongoing.

In December, the Charity Commission announced an investigation into SPAC Nation to examine safeguarding and financial concerns about the charity.

A spokesman said: “The issues that have been raised related to SPAC Nation in recent weeks are highly concerning, even more so as the allegations are entirely at odds with the expectations about the way that charities will operate.”

A Metropolitan Police (MPS) spokesman said: “The MPS is aware of allegations that pertain to potential fraud and other offences relating to the activities of individuals associated with SPAC Nation. 

“Officers from central specialist crime are reviewing the allegations to identify if any criminal offences have been committed. 

“Once this review is complete, a decision will be made as to whether a criminal investigation is launched. 

“There have been no arrests. We cannot comment any further at this time.”

SPAC Nation has been approached for comment.