Merseyside Police arrested 64 people during a protest on Liverpool's waterfront on Sunday, September 28. The arrests were made on suspicion of terrorism offenses after some individuals allegedly displayed support for Palestine Action, an organization recently banned by the UK government.
The demonstration, organised by the group Defend Our Juries, took place near the ACC Liverpool, the venue for the annual Labour Party Conference. Those arrested have since been released on bail.
Key Takeaways
- Merseyside Police arrested 64 individuals at a protest on Liverpool's waterfront.
- The arrests were made on suspicion of supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation, Palestine Action.
- The demonstration occurred near the venue of the Labour Party Conference.
- Those arrested, aged between 21 and 83, have been released on bail pending further investigation.
- A separate protest involving farmers also took place in the city centre on the same day.
Details of the Waterfront Demonstration
The protest began around 2:30 PM on Sunday near The Wheel of Liverpool, in close proximity to the city's Arena and Convention Centre. This area was under a significant police presence due to the ongoing Labour Party Conference, which is being held in Liverpool for the fourth consecutive year.
Merseyside Police reported that a total of 66 people were initially arrested. However, two individuals were later de-arrested at the scene. The remaining 64 people, whose ages range from 21 to 83, were taken into police custody for questioning.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed that all 64 have now been released on conditional bail. The arrests were made under the Terrorism Act after officers observed displays of support for Palestine Action.
Arrest Statistics
- Total Arrested: 64 people
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Location: Liverpool Waterfront, near ACC
- Age Range of Detainees: 21 to 83 years
- Reason: Suspicion of terrorism offenses related to a proscribed group.
Connection to Banned Organisation
The police action was prompted by demonstrators allegedly showing support for Palestine Action. Photographs from the event showed individuals being led away by officers, with some protesters holding placards that read: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action."
Why was Palestine Action Banned?
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in July 2025. This decision followed an incident in June where the group claimed responsibility for causing significant damage to two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. The ban makes it a criminal offense to belong to or invite support for the group.
The use of anti-terror legislation in this context has been a point of contention for the protest organisers, who argue it represents an overreach of state power against domestic protest movements.
Protesters Criticise Labour and Government Policy
The group that organised the demonstration, Defend Our Juries, issued a statement explaining their presence at the conference. A spokesperson criticised the Labour Party's position and the recent ban.
"We’ve come to remind everyone that the Labour Party is in breach of its duty to act to prevent genocide under international law. Instead it made the cowardly decision to ban the direct action group that was trying to prevent genocide," the spokesperson stated.
They also claimed that the use of the Terrorism Act against a domestic protest group sets an "alarmingly authoritarian precedent." The group called for the ban on Palestine Action to be overturned and for the Labour Party to impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms embargo.
A Participant's Perspective
One of the protesters, 71-year-old Keith Hackett, explained his reasons for participating despite the risk of arrest. As a former Labour councillor in Liverpool, he expressed his disappointment with the party's current direction.
"I’m risking arrest today under terrorism legislation because as a former Labour councillor in Liverpool I am deeply ashamed of how Labour are acting," said Mr. Hackett. "If they want to start turning the party around and win back the support they have lost they need to stop their complicity in this genocide and end the ban on Palestine Action."
He added that direct action has historically been a fundamental part of the labour movement's progress.
Separate Protests in the City Centre
While the waterfront demonstration led to arrests, another significant protest took place elsewhere in the city on the same day. Large crowds, including many farmers, gathered on The Strand, a major route through the city centre, causing traffic disruptions.
According to reports, the primary focus of the farmers' protest was to oppose the Labour Party's proposed changes to farm inheritance tax, which are scheduled to take effect in April 2026. They are demanding that the policy be scrapped.
The demonstration on The Strand also attracted individuals with other concerns. Some participants were seen with signs protesting the government's plans for a mandatory digital ID system required for employment in the UK.
The multiple protests highlight a challenging environment for the Labour Party as it holds its annual conference in Liverpool. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the city on Saturday facing low polling numbers and recent resignations from his senior team.