HAMPSHIRE County Council is being urged to reject any future funding requests from a charity after the government accused its chairman of hate speech.

The National Secular Society (NSS) has criticised the Eastleigh-based Zion Projects after unearthing a 2020 video in which Danny Stupple described Islam as "demonic".

Zion lists its main purpose as "advancing the Christian religion for the benefit of the public".

In the video, seen by the Daily Echo, Mr Stupple responded to a question about Islamic calls to prayer being broadcast during the Covid lockdown.

He said: "A very strong force of spiritual wickedness known as Islam is engaging in warfare against the Lord with its open-air prayers."

Mr Stupple accused "the enemy" of trying to use the pandemic, adding that the Islamic system of belief was "truly demonic".

Last year the county council gave Zion Projects a £19,750 grant to help fund a raft of initiatives, including a community café and ways to help reduce isolation and loneliness among older people.

It also received £43,220 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as part of its Faith New Deal fund.

Daily Echo: The National Secular Society has complained to Baroness Scott and the Department for Levelling UpThe National Secular Society has complained to Baroness Scott and the Department for Levelling Up (Image: PA)

In February the NSS wrote to Baroness Scott, parliamentary under-secretary of state at DLUHC, to raise concerns about the charity.

It received a reply from Daisy Sutherland, senior policy advisor, communities and integration, who said: "These comments are abhorrent and we strongly condemn them.

"We take hate speech against any group or individual extremely seriously. We are taking the time to thoroughly investigate this issue and will respond fully in due course."

A county council spokesperson said organisations applying for grants underwent a variety of checks before any money was handed over.

They added: "All organisations are required to sign an agreement which requires recipients to comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not to discriminate against any person or persons, including on the basis of religion."

"A decision will be taken as to whether Zion Projects will be barred from receiving further grants from Hampshire County Council."

Megan Manson, head of campaigns at the NSS, added: "This case demonstrates the pitfalls of funding faith groups without protections in place to ensure public money doesn’t go to those who preach extremist or divisive dogma.

"We welcome Hampshire County Council’s investigation into Zion Projects.

"We hope the council terminates its relationship with this charity and applies greater scrutiny to any future groups it funds to make sure those groups benefit, rather than harm, community relations."

According to Zion's entry on the Charity Commission's website, the organisation operates in partnership with other agencies.

It says it provides a drop-in centre for the elderly, works with a local school, and helps the most vulnerable and needy families in the Eastleigh area.

The NSS says the video has since been removed. Mr Stupple has not responded to a request for comment.