Full Breakdown
Labour Party Conference in Liverpool: New Foreign-Policy Direction, Sanctions on Israeli Settlements and Protests Over the Palestine Action Ban
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Core Event – Conference Highlights and Policy Shift
The Labour Party’s four-day conference opened in Liverpool under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband used his first speech at the gathering to announce comprehensive sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, calling it a “definitive change” in Labour’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Police detained demonstrators outside the venue who were displaying support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Background & Context – Sanctions and the Palestine Action Prohibition
The Labour government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act in July 2025, a decision originally taken by the previous administration. Miliband’s sanctions on settlement-linked trade were introduced against a backdrop of heightened settler violence in the West Bank. Twelve countries—including France and Canada—have announced parallel sanctions, signalling a coordinated diplomatic response.
Data & Statistics – Arrests and International Response
- Police reported that more than 50 individuals were arrested under the Terrorism Act during the protest.
- Over 250 demonstrators were observed outside the conference centre holding banners that read “I support Palestine Action.”
- 12 nations have imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements, joining the United Kingdom’s new measures.
Official Statements & Responses
- Burnham emphasized the importance of building coalitions with “like-minded countries” such as France and Canada, arguing that Britain’s interests are served by standing up for its values on the world stage.
- “It’s not the case that we were surprised when we came in – not least because I was in access talks and understood very clearly the position,” — Andy Burnham, UK prime minister.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters, including musician Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, gathered outside the Liverpool conference centre, chanting “free, free Palestine” each time police escorted a demonstrator away.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of arrests: the police statement cites “more than 50,” while other coverage refers only to “a number of demonstrators” without a precise tally. No official figure has been released confirming the total number of individuals detained.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not the case that we were surprised when we came in - not least because I was in access talks and understood very clearly the position,” — Andy Burnham, UK prime minister
- “Protesting is one of the most effective tools we have to make our leaders listen to us, but we have seen consecutive governments crackdown on our right to do it.” — Kerry Moscogiuri, chief executive of Amnesty International UK
- “These are more reheated announcements without clarity on where the money is coming from. Additional docks were announced months ago in the defence investment plan, which still has a £4.7 billion black hole.” — Andrew Griffith, shadow chancellor
- “I recognise the concern that many people in the public have around immigration. But this is something different” — Andy Burnham, UK prime minister