Full Breakdown
Arrests at Labour Conference Protest Over Palestine Action Ban
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arrests During Pro-Palestine Demonstration
On September 27, 2026, a silent sit-in organized by Defend Our Juries took place outside Liverpool’s Labour Party conference venue. Merseyside Police detained participants on suspicion of wearing or carrying material that supports a proscribed organisation.
Background & Context: Proscription of Palestine Action and Civil Disobedience
Palestine Action, which targets companies supplying weapons to Israel, was outlawed by the UK government in July 2025. Since the ban, a civil-disobedience campaign has led to numerous arrests for displaying supportive signs. Defend Our Juries framed the protest as an “integrity test” of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to ending UK complicity in what the group describes as Israel’s “ethnic cleansing and war crimes.”
Data & Statistics: Numbers of Arrests and Participants
- Merseyside Police reported 82 arrests on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation and 79 summons, estimating approximately 180 attendees.
- The Guardian echoed the police figures, noting a total of 161 people dealt with by the force.
- Other outlets cited more than 50 arrests; Defend Our Juries estimated around 150 arrests.
- Detained individuals included 94-year-old human-rights barrister Margaret Owen and Massive Attack musician Robert Del Naja.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Peter Clark of force operations highlighted a “comprehensive policing plan” coordinated with event organisers and security providers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The force makes detailed and coordinated plans ahead of such events to ensure it can apply this consistently, fairly and proportionately.” — Supt Peter Clark, Merseyside Police
- “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
- “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
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest totals vary: police figures (82 arrests, 79 summons) contrast with media reports of “more than 50” and activist estimates of “around 150.” No source reconciles these differences.
- Attendance estimates differ: police put the crowd at “approximately 180,” while Defend Our Juries claimed “more than 200” participants.
- Legal outcomes for those detained remain unclear; the articles do not specify charges or forthcoming court dates for most arrestees.
What’s Next
The ban on Palestine Action remains under legal challenge. The Supreme Court has granted limited permission for a further appeal, scheduled for November 2026. Activists indicate they will continue pressure on Prime Minister Burnham during the remainder of the Labour conference.