Rachel Reeves had to momentarily halt her keynote address at the Labour Party conference due to disruption from a pro-Palestine protester. The Chancellor paused her speech as the protester shouted about the plight of the Palestinian people, causing a brief interruption in the event.
In response to the protester’s concerns, Reeves acknowledged the cause and affirmed the party’s support for recognizing a Palestinian state. Emphasizing that the Labour Party is now in government and not merely a party of protest, she highlighted the party’s progressive actions and policy initiatives.
Outside the conference venue in Liverpool, a significant number of demonstrators gathered to demand an end to arms sales to Israel by the government. The disruptive protester, 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 trade with Israel during the incident.
Following the disruption, the protester was escorted out of the hall by security and handed over to Merseyside Police. This incident occurred in the context of recent UK actions, including Keir Starmer’s announcement of recognizing a Palestinian state after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to meet certain demands.
Reeves reiterated the party’s support for the Palestinian cause while underscoring the Labour Party’s commitment to governance and impactful policy changes. Her remarks were met with applause from the audience at the conference, reflecting the party’s evolving stance and approach in addressing critical issues.
