Dozens of people were arrested outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Sunday after a sit-down demonstration in support of Palestine Action, the group proscribed by the government. The protest drew more than 250 people to the pavement outside the conference centre, many holding makeshift banners reading “I support Palestine Action”.
Police intervene and make multiple arrests
Large numbers of officers were on the scene before moving in to detain demonstrators. Police told those holding signs that they were displaying support for a banned organisation and asked whether they would continue. When the banners remained, people were led away and arrested under the Terrorism Act, according to witnesses and organisers.
- Estimated attendance: 250+ protesters sat outside the conference centre.
- Reason given for police action: supporters were reportedly displaying signs in favour of a proscribed organisation.
- Arrest powers used: people were arrested under the Terrorism Act.
The detentions continued across several hours and drew loud reaction from those taking part. Demonstrators cheered each time someone was carried away, and chants of “free, free Palestine” rang out from the crowd.
Organisers and rights groups condemn the arrests
Defend Our Juries, the group which organised the sit-down, said the demonstration was intended as a challenge to the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to rethink the ban on Palestine Action. The organisers said they had been prepared for arrests and that many of those detained included teachers, pensioners and healthcare workers.
"Continuing the charade of the proscription of Palestine Action is illogical, unsustainable and immoral," said a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries.
Amnesty International criticised the policing of the demonstration and described the detentions as a “shameful attack on freedom of speech”. Kerry Moscogiuri, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, was reported as criticising the arrests.
What protesters demanded
Organisers said their aim was to press the incoming prime minister to stop prosecutions and prison sentences for people who, they say, have been criminalised for protesting against alleged war crimes in Gaza. The Defend Our Juries spokesperson said that the first step Mr Burnham could take from the podium at his inaugural party conference would be to pledge an end to what they described as the criminalisation of those standing against war crimes and genocide.
The protesters’ account stressed that the action was planned to be peaceful: a seated demonstration with homemade signs intended to draw attention to the group’s proscription and the policing resources being used to enforce it.
| Fact | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Approximate number of protesters | 250+ |
| Organisation referred to | Palestine Action (proscribed) |
| Legal basis for arrests | Terrorism Act |
The arrests have placed a spotlight on how public order is being managed in Liverpool during a major political event. Officers and conference organisers will likely face questions about the handling of the demonstration, while campaigners and civil liberties organisations have underlined concerns about the use of counter‑terror legislation in a protest context.
For the city, the episode raises broader questions about policing at large political gatherings and the balance between public safety and the right to protest. Liverpool has long been a stage for political campaigning and demonstrations; this weekend’s events are likely to prompt fresh debate locally about how those rights should be protected while maintaining order at high-profile events.
Reports indicate that the arrests continued for several hours after officers first intervened. No further details about the number of people taken into custody or any subsequent charges have been provided by police at this stage.
The demonstration, its policing and the response from rights groups will be matters of immediate concern across the city as the Labour conference continues.
