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IMPORTANT CALL: Mo Farah (PA)

MO FARAH has petitioned the Government to stop Barclays Bank from closing accounts for the remaining four large UK remittance companies transferring money to Somalia.

Joining more 75,000 campaigners, the double Olympic and World Champion has warned the bank of the potential crisis which could emerge in Somalia if all money transfer to the country is shut down.

The Somali-born athlete, who operates his own charity in the East African nation, explained on the Change.org petition that the transfer services are essential to families to buy food and vital resources.

He said: “Around 40 per cent of people in Somalia depend on remittances to buy basics like food, medicine and other life essentials.

"Cutting this lifeline will be a disaster for the Somali people, both in the Somali regions and in the UK.

"It is not just the personal remittances that families send back – this will impact all the major aid organisations operating in the region, including my Foundation, which rely on these businesses for paying their staff and running their programmes."

Farah added: “That is why I am joining the many organisations and charities in again asking Barclays to reconsider its decision or at least grant an extension.

"Whilst a Ministerial Roundtable to consider this action (originally scheduled for September 16) has been convened for October 8, this will be too late if Barclays has already shut the accounts on September 30.

“I reiterate my plea to the UK Government and international community to give their full support to resolving this issue. Too many people, both in the UK and in Somalia, will be tragically affected if a solution isn’t found.

“I also urge people to join me in signing the on-line petition calling for Barclays to reconsider its decision.”

The Department for International Development said it is trying to find a solution that will enable Somali money service companies to stay operational, allowing charitable organisations and expat Somalis to send small sums back to family in Somalia.