Police are seeking to speak to a woman after a series of protests interrupted the first main day of the Reform UK conference, which saw banners unfurled and speeches delayed.
The incident came as party leader Nigel Farage was due to address delegates. Reform UK said the protester is considering whether to come forward to police, while campaigners raised concerns about the safety of those who challenge high-profile politicians.
"It's important protesters can hold him [Farage] to account without fear for their safety."
What happened at the conference
Greenpeace staged a visible protest during the speech by Reform deputy leader, unfurling a banner that accused the party of environmental neglect with the slogan "collect £5 million, burn the planet". The banner also depicted Mr Farage in a top hat carrying a bag of money and remained in view for several minutes before being removed.
As Mr Farage later walked on to the stage, he told attendees a delay had been caused by a "security alert". Several media outlets reported a source within Reform UK had said counter-terrorism units had prevented Mr Farage from going on stage, but the force named in those reports has rejected that account.
Police and party responses
West Midlands Police issued a clear denial of the suggested role for counter-terrorism officers, stating that the decision to delay the leader's keynote address was a matter for Reform UK organisers. The force said: "We can confirm that Counter Terrorism Policing have had no involvement in the delivery of the Reform UK Party Conference 2026."
Reform UK, while acknowledging the disruption, has said the protester is weighing up whether to approach police to assist inquiries. Campaign groups said the action was intended to hold the party to account and stressed the need for protesters to be able to question politicians without fear for their safety.
- Greenpeace unfurled a banner during a speech, targeting Reform UK's environmental record.
- Reform UK reported a delay to Nigel Farage's speech described as caused by a security alert.
- West Midlands Police denied any counter-terrorism involvement in event security decisions.
Context and consequences
The episode highlights tensions between political parties, activists and law enforcement at large-scale party conferences. Accurate attribution of security decisions is particularly sensitive: claims of counter-terrorism involvement can significantly amplify perceived risk and affect public confidence in policing and event safety.
At a practical level, organisers of political conferences must balance open access and free expression with arrangements to protect speakers and delegates. Disputed accounts about who makes operational security calls, and the potential role of specialist police units, fuel public debate about accountability and transparency.
| Actor | Claim |
|---|---|
| Reform UK (source reports) | Delay to Farage's speech linked to counter-terrorism intervention (reported) |
| West Midlands Police | Counter Terrorism Policing had no involvement; decision taken by Reform UK |
| Greenpeace | Staged banner protest accusing party of environmental neglect |
While this incident did not result in reported injuries, it underscores the delicate dynamics at public political events in the run-up to future campaigns. Police appeals for information are routine after disruptions; whether the woman involved chooses to engage with investigators may determine whether further action is taken.
For now, the dispute between Reform UK and West Midlands Police over who authorised the delay will likely prompt questions from opposition parties, campaigners and the media about how security decisions are made and communicated at political gatherings.
