Britain29 September, 20252 min read
Pro-Palestine Protester Interrupts UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Labour Conference Speech to Condemn Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
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Pro-Palestine protester interrupted Rachel Reeves’ Labour conference speech with accusations of genocide. Reeves acknowledged the protester’s cause and highlighted UK government recognition of Palestinian statehood.
7 outlets told this the same way.
Pro-Palestine Protest at Labour Conference
During the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves was interrupted by a pro-Palestine protester identified as "Sam P." The protester was affiliated with the Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine. They accused the UK government of supporting "mass starvation" and "genocide" against Palestinians.
“The protester, identified as ‘Sam P’ and affiliated with pro-Palestinian groups Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine, held up a Palestinian flag and condemned Labour for continuing ‘business as usual’ amid what they called a British-backed genocide.”
This interruption highlighted the ongoing tensions regarding the UK's foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine. The protester questioned why Britain continues to arm Israel, condemning the Labour Party for maintaining "business as usual" amid what they described as a British-backed genocide.
Chancellor's Response to Protest
Chancellor Rachel Reeves responded to the protest by acknowledging the concerns raised and highlighting the UK government's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood. She emphasized that the Labour Party, now in government, is focused on delivering policy changes rather than engaging in protests.
Reeves pointed to achievements such as raising the minimum wage and introducing free school meals as evidence of the party's commitment to governance. This response was met with applause from the audience, indicating support for the party's current direction.
UK Recognition of Palestine
The protest by "Sam P" occurred shortly after Labour leader Keir Starmer announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state. This move has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a positive step towards peace, others, like Rabbi Leo Dee, have criticized it.
“Rabbi Leo Dee, who lost his wife and daughters in a Hamas attack in 2023, protested the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state. He described both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as terror organizations and argued that the UK has a duty to support Israel, calling the recognition of Palestinian statehood ‘reckless’ and not in the interest of British citizens.”
Rabbi Dee, who lost family members in a Hamas attack, described both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as terror organizations. He argued that the UK's recognition of Palestinian statehood is "reckless" and not in the interest of British citizens.
UK Arms Embargo Debate
The protest and subsequent discussions reflect the broader debate over the UK's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Middle East Eye (Western Alternative) reports that pro-Palestine groups are demanding a full UK arms embargo on Israel, citing ongoing allegations of genocide in Gaza.
Despite the UK government suspending some arms export licenses to Israel, key licenses remain active, including those for F-35 fighter jet parts used in Gaza. Polling indicates strong Labour voter support for a full arms embargo, highlighting a significant divide between public opinion and government policy.
