During the annual Labour Party conference held in Liverpool on September 29, 2025, a pro-Palestine activist named Sam P disrupted Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ address, highlighting the UK’s ongoing support for Israel amid its actions in Gaza. The protester brandished a large Palestinian flag and posed a provocative question: “Why is Britain still arming Israel?”
Sam P further claimed, “Labour is complicit in the mass starvation of Palestinians.” In her response, Reeves acknowledged the activist’s concern, stating, “We understand your cause and are recognizing a Palestinian state.” However, she emphasized that the party’s role is now within governance, not merely as a protest group, which elicited applause from the audience.
The Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), which coordinated the demonstration alongside London for a Free Palestine, released a statement calling for the Labour Party to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel. Their demands included the cessation of RAF surveillance flights over Gaza, the resignation of Labour Party leaders for misleading the public about the UK’s role in the conflict, and an end to diplomatic relations with Israel.
A recent report from PYM revealed that despite the UK government’s claims of halting military exports, arms continued to flow to Israel during the ongoing conflict. Nihal, an organizer with PYM, emphasized the escalating crisis, asserting, “The horror in Gaza is only growing, with Palestinians facing relentless bombardment and starvation.”
Leila, representing London for a Free Palestine, remarked on the profound shifts within the Labour Party, historically known for its leftist stance but now seen as drifting towards center-right. “Despite clear evidence of genocide as stated by the UN Commission of Inquiry, the Labour government continues to deny these realities and offers support to Israel,” she stated.
Earlier this month, the UK made a landmark announcement recognizing Palestinian statehood, a significant move 108 years after the Balfour Declaration and 77 years post the establishment of Israel in what was once the British Mandate of Palestine. While this declaration was celebrated by Palestinian officials, many who endure daily atrocities in Gaza found no immediate relief in this recognition.
With at least 66,055 reported deaths and over 168,346 injuries in Gaza due to prolonged Israeli bombardment, the plight has spurred extensive protests across the UK. Many demonstrators, feeling unheard by the government, have rallied—some weekly—against the Israeli offensive. Recent peaceful protests opposing the UK’s ban on the Palestine Action group have faced a severe police response, resulting in mass arrests.