Full Breakdown
Labour Conference Protest Over Palestine Action Ban and Foreign Secretary’s Sanctions Announcement
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 27-28 2026, activists outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool demonstrated against the UK government’s proscription of the direct-action group Palestine Action. Police from Merseyside arrested participants under the Terrorism Act, while Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband delivered a speech condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank and announcing new sanctions targeting economic links with Israeli settlements.
Background & Context
Palestine Action was designated a “terrorist” organisation under the Terrorism Act in July 2025. Since the ban, a civil-disobedience campaign organised by Defend Our Juries has resulted in more than 3,600 arrests for displaying support. The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, introduced sanctions on Israeli settlements earlier in 2026, marking a shift from previous administrations.
Data & Statistics
- Police reported more than 50 detainees on September 27 2026; the group Defend Our Juries later said around 150 arrests were made.
- The High Court ruled in February 2026 that the proscription was disproportionate and interfered with freedom of expression, though the ban remained pending further review.
Official Statements & Responses
- He framed the policy as a “reset” of Labour’s foreign-policy approach under Andy Burnham.
Criticism & Opposition
Human-rights groups and protest organisers criticised the enforcement of the ban. Defend Our Juries argued that the ban is a continued proscription effort and burdens public resources.
On-the-Ground Reports
Activists confronted Miliband inside a Liverpool restaurant, demanding the de-proscription of Palestine Action and a declaration of genocide in Gaza. Protesters were cheered as they were led away, chanting “free, free Palestine.” Among those detained was 94-year-old human-rights barrister Margaret Owen. Musician Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack was also arrested while holding a supportive sign.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of arrests: the BBC cited more than 50 detainees, while Defend Our Juries later claimed around 150 arrests. The exact figure remains unclear, as police have not released a final count.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had hoped the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, would do the sensible thing and bin the ban on Palestine Action given the weight of public pressure to do so and the escalating amount of resources required in enforcing it.” — Defend Our Juries
- “If [prime minister] Burnham means what he says, that he plans to end Britain’s complicity in Israel’s horrific crimes, then he would stop the arrests of people peacefully demonstrating against the genocide and the authoritarian attempts to crush its opponents,” — Defend Our Juries
- “Not me, not you, not us,” — Ed Miliband, confronted by activists
- “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
What’s Next
The ban on Palestine Action remains in force pending a Supreme Court review, and Prime Minister Burnham has not yet announced a position on lifting it. Police continue to monitor related demonstrations for the duration of the Labour conference.