Pro-Palestinian Activists Disrupt Rachel Reeves' Labour Conference Speech
Rachel Reeves' address at the Labour conference was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters. The Shadow Chancellor responded by emphasizing Labour's commitment to working people and change.
On September 23, 2024, Rachel Reeves' address at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool faced interruption from pro-Palestinian activists. The event, part of the party's annual gathering since 1900, saw protesters voicing concerns over arms sales to Israel and economic policies.
A demonstrator was removed from the conference hall after criticizing the continuation of arms sales to Israel and expressing disappointment with Labour's approach to change. The protester's remarks highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding UK arms exports, which have been regulated under the Export Control Act 2002.
Climate Resistance, the group claiming responsibility for the protest, demanded immediate cessation of arms licenses to Israel, a halt to new oil and gas projects, and increased support for communities affected by climate change. These demands reflect the complex challenges facing the Labour Party as it prepares for the anticipated 2024 general election.
The disruption occurred weeks after David Lammy, in his role as Shadow Foreign Secretary, announced the suspension of some arms licenses to Israel. This decision followed a review indicating a "clear risk" of UK arms potentially violating international law. The move affected approximately 30 out of 350 licenses, underscoring the UK's position as one of the world's largest arms exporters.
In response to the interruption, Reeves emphasized Labour's transformation, stating, "This is a changed Labour Party and a Labour Party that represents working people, not a party of protest." This statement echoes the party's efforts to distance itself from its image during previous leadership periods.
"Because I know how much damage has been done in those 14 years, let me say one thing straight up – there will be no return to austerity. Conservative austerity was a destructive choice for our public services, and for investment and growth too."
Reeves, who has been a Member of Parliament since 2010, used her speech to address economic concerns. She promised "no return to austerity," a term that gained prominence in UK politics following the 2008 financial crisis. Her commitment to a "Budget with real ambition" aims to differentiate Labour's economic approach from that of the Conservative government.
The incident at the conference bears similarities to a previous disruption during Sir Keir Starmer's speech last year, where a protester threw glitter at the Labour leader. Starmer's response then, "Protest or power – that's why we've changed," aligns with Reeves' current stance, indicating a consistent message of party evolution.
As the Shadow Chancellor, Reeves plays a crucial role in the opposition's economic strategy. Her position is part of the "shadow cabinet," a concept unique to Westminster-style parliaments. The Labour Party, symbolized by a red rose and associated with the color red, has never had a female leader, adding significance to Reeves' prominent role.
The protests and Reeves' response highlight the ongoing challenges Labour faces in balancing its historical ties to trade unions and protest movements with its ambitions for governance. As the party prepares for the possibility of returning to power for the first time since 2010, it must navigate complex issues such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has been a source of controversy for decades, and the UK's role in international arms sales.
