Merseyside Police made several arrests during a protest on Liverpool's waterfront on Sunday, September 28. The demonstration took place near the ACC Liverpool, where the Labour Party is holding its annual conference. Officers intervened after some individuals displayed support for Palestine Action, an organization recently proscribed under UK law.
Key Takeaways
- Merseyside Police confirmed arrests were made at a protest near the ACC Liverpool.
- The arrests were on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a recently banned organization.
- The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries, coincided with the Labour Party Conference.
- In a separate event, a farmers' protest caused traffic disruption on The Strand in the city centre.
Police Respond to Waterfront Demonstration
Police were present at a protest organized by the group Defend Our Juries on Sunday afternoon. The gathering was located near The Wheel of Liverpool, in close proximity to the secure zone established for the Labour Party Conference.
During the event, officers observed individuals with materials supporting Palestine Action. Images from the scene showed people holding placards that read: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Subsequently, police were seen carrying several individuals away from the demonstration area.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed the situation. "We can confirm that officers are in attendance at a Defend Our Juries protest near to The Wheel of Liverpool this afternoon, Sunday 28 September," the statement read.
"Some of the people in attendance have displayed material in support of Palestine Action. Officers are in the process of making arrests on suspicion of Wearing/carrying an article supporting a proscribed organisation."
The force indicated that a further update would be provided when appropriate.
Background on Palestine Action's Status
Palestine Action was officially banned as a terrorist organization in July. The government's decision followed an incident in the previous month where the group claimed responsibility for damaging two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. Under the Terrorism Act, it is a criminal offence to express support for a proscribed organization.
Protesters State Their Aims
The demonstration was attended by approximately 100 people, according to the Defend Our Juries group. A spokesperson for the organization explained their reasons for protesting during the Labour conference.
"We’ve come to remind everyone that the Labour Party is in breach of its duty to act to prevent genocide under international law," the spokesperson stated. They criticized the party for what they described as a "cowardly decision to ban the direct action group that was trying to prevent genocide."
The group also raised concerns about the use of anti-terror legislation against domestic protest groups, calling it an "alarmingly authoritarian precedent."
Views from Participants
One of the protesters, 71-year-old Keith Hackett, identified himself as a former Labour councillor in Liverpool. He explained his motivation for participating in the demonstration, despite the legal risks.
"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," Hackett said. "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.
Labour Conference Security
The annual Labour Party Conference is a major event, drawing thousands of delegates, politicians, and media to the city. A significant security operation is in place around the ACC Liverpool and surrounding areas to manage the event and any associated protests.
Separate Protests in Liverpool City Centre
While the demonstration took place on the waterfront, another unrelated protest caused significant disruption elsewhere in the city centre. Large crowds gathered on The Strand, a major arterial route, blocking traffic for a period on Sunday.
This separate demonstration appeared to be led by farmers. According to reports from Farmers Weekly, the primary issue was opposition to the Labour Party's proposed changes to farm inheritance tax, which are scheduled to take effect in April 2026.
The farmers' protest also attracted individuals with other grievances. Some participants were seen with signs opposing the UK government's plan for a mandatory digital ID system required for employment.
Political Context of the Protests
The protests coincide with the arrival of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party leadership in Liverpool for their four-day conference. The event provides a platform for various groups to voice their opposition to both current government policy and the Labour Party's platform.
Starmer arrived in the city on Saturday, visiting the ECHO office before the conference began. The event is taking place at a challenging time for the government, which faces low polling numbers and has recently dealt with several high-profile resignations.