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Over fifty protesters have reportedly been detained by police outside the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool. The demonstrators were supporting Palestine Action, a group that has been banned, leading to police intervention during the event. Earlier in the day, over 250 activists gathered outside the conference venue, many displaying homemade banners reading “I support Palestine Action.” Police officers stood nearby before moving in to make arrests, warning that displaying materials linked to a proscribed organization was illegal.
Police officers, citing the Terrorism Act, challenged the demonstrators and took some away after asking if they intended to continue their protest. Merseyside Police confirmed that more than 50 people had been arrested during the Defend Our Juries event. Authorities stated that the arrests were based on suspicions of carrying or wearing articles supporting a banned organization. A spokesperson emphasized the police’s respect for lawful protests but also noted their responsibility to maintain public order and safety. The force discussed thorough planning to handle such events in a fair and proportionate manner and clarified that not all attendees were committing offenses.
The arrests drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International described the action as a “shameful attack on freedom of speech.” Among those detained was 94-year-old human rights barrister Margaret Owen. Representatives from Defend Our Juries expressed disappointment that the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, had not reconsidered the ban on Palestine Action despite public pressure and the high costs associated with enforcing it. They described the continued proscription as “illogical, unsustainable, and immoral.”
Protesters expressed strong reactions, cheering as individuals were taken into custody. Kerry Moscogiuri, CEO of Amnesty International UK, condemned the crackdown on demonstrators, highlighting that protests are vital for public voice and political accountability. She called on the new prime minister to amend laws to better protect the right to peaceful protest. Meanwhile, the legal status of Palestine Action remains under scrutiny, with the Supreme Court granting permission to the group’s co-founder to appeal the ban enacted in July 2025. The Home Secretary has pledged to vigorously defend the government’s position, which cites the group’s involvement in significant criminal damage to legitimate businesses, distinguishing this from lawful protest activities. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have acknowledged criminal acts by the group, though there remains debate over the application of terrorism legislation
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