During her keynote speech at the Labour Party conference, Rachel Reeves had to momentarily halt her address due to a disruption caused by a protester advocating for Palestine. The individual shouted about the alleged mistreatment of Palestinians, prompting Reeves to acknowledge the cause and affirm support for a Palestinian state, emphasizing the party’s shift from protest to governance.
Outside the conference venue in Liverpool, numerous demonstrators gathered to demand an end to arms sales to Israel by the government. The disruptor, identified as “Sam P” affiliated with Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine, raised a Palestinian flag and questioned the UK’s continued arms support for Israel. The activist expressed distress over the ongoing conflict and urged action to halt the atrocities.
Following the incident, security removed the protester, handing him over to Merseyside Police. This disruption occurred after Keir Starmer announced the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to meet certain demands. Starmer condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, deeming the situation intolerable and calling for an end to the conflict.
Reeves, standing firm as the Chancellor, highlighted the party’s accomplishments in power, such as wage increases, free meal programs, and interest rate cuts, underscoring the party’s transformative role in governance. Her remarks garnered applause from the audience within the conference hall.