Reeves conference speech again interrupted by pro-Palestine activist
Chancellor was setting out measures the government had taken to protect key British industries
Rachel Reeves’ speech at the Labour Party Conference has again been interrupted by a pro-Palestine activist who began shouting about the “mass starvation” just as the chancellor was setting out measures the government had taken to protect key British industries.
As Reeves defended measures taken by the government to protect the steel industry, an activist, later named “Sam P,” stood up with a large Palestinian flag and said: “Why is Britain still arming Israel?”
Reeves was given a standing ovation from the delegates as she continued speaking, noting the government had recently recognised a Palestinian state, but was now in power and was no longer a party “of protest”.
The heckler was removed from the hall, and the incident was dealt with by internal security staff, the force said.
The Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine groups later claimed responsibility for the stunt at the conference in Liverpool on Tuesday.
Merseyside Police have said there was “no police involvement following the incident.
In a statement issued by the protest groups following the disruption, the activist said: “It’s unbearable to watch this British-backed genocide unfolding on our screens while Labour carries on with business as usual.
“We should do whatever we can to push for an end to the atrocities.”
Reeves said she is facing “harsh global headwinds” as she hinted at further tax rises to come in the Budget.
The Chancellor used her Labour Party conference speech to insist that she would keep control of the public finances and would “not take risks with the trust placed in us by the British people”.
She urged party members to “have faith” because Labour and Britain “have overcome greater challenges than these”.
The Chancellor told Labour conference: “Whatever challenges come our way don’t be deterred, because I can see the destination if we stay true to our course, a Britain where every child can flourish, no matter their background or their parents’ jobs or where they grow up – and never let anyone tell you that there’s no difference between a Labour government and a Conservative government.”
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