Lenny Henry hits back and defends Comic Relief over Panorama criticism

Comedian Lenny Henry today attacked critics of charity Comic Relief, and warned that they risked taking food from the mouths of the world’s poorest people.

He responded to claims in a BBC documentary that some of its funds were invested in firms that made booze, tobacco and arms.

He told the Standard: “Attacking Comic Relief takes desperately needed support from children, families and older people right here in the UK and the poorest communities around the world.

“Comic Relief has helped save and transform millions of lives over the last 25 years - something we can all be proud of. It’s a fantastic organisation, run by good people. I’ve seen the work done on the ground many times and I can guarantee the money raised brings real change to real people.”

A co founder of the charity also defended it against the criticism.

Peter Bennett-Jones said the organisation had a duty to make the best possible financial return for the good causes it supports. He defended its policy of keeping £100 million of funds in investments, saying it would be “irresponsible” to spend everything in one go.

A BBC Panorama documentary to be shown tonight says the charity had £630,000 in shares in BAE Systems, a weapons manufacturer, in 2009; £3 million invested in tobacco companies; and £300,000 in the alcohol industry. The programme suggests that such investments conflict with Comic Relief’s work with the victims of military conflict and its help for people with alcohol and drug addiction.

But Mr Bennett-Jones, writing on the Guardian website, said Charity Commission guidance was clear that trustees “must invest for the best possible financial return while taking an appropriate level of risk”.

He added: “They should only adopt an ethical investment approach with specific justification and not on the grounds of individual moral views.”