Pro-Palestine Protest Arrests Outside Labour Conference 2026

More than 160 people were arrested or reported for summons at a pro-Palestine protest outside the Labour party conference in Liverpool on Sunday, according to Merseyside Police. The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries, saw activists sitting outside the conference centre, many holding banners expressing support for the banned group Palestine Action.

Arrests and Police Response

Merseyside Police reported that 82 individuals were arrested on suspicion of wearing or carrying an article supporting a proscribed organization. They were taken into custody and later released on bail. An additional 79 people were reported for summons. Police estimated that around 180 people attended the protest, noting that "not everyone present was committing a criminal offence."

The number of arrests this year is 16 more than at a similar pro-Palestine demonstration on the first day of Labour's conference last year, also in Liverpool. A police statement emphasized, "Merseyside police respects everyone's rights to protest peacefully."

Confrontation with Foreign Secretary

Two activists confronted Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband during a meal at a Pizza Express in the city centre. Video footage showed one protester urging Miliband to declare a genocide in Gaza and to de-proscribe Palestine Action. Miliband responded that he was happy to discuss the issue but at another time, before the protesters were ushered out.

Key Takeaways

• Over 160 people were arrested or reported for summons at the pro-Palestine protest.
• 82 arrests were made on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organization.
• Activists confronted Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband at a Pizza Express.
• The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries.
• Arrest numbers increased compared to last year's Labour conference protest.

Comparing Arrests: This Year vs. Last Year

The data shows a significant increase in police action this year, with 16 more arrests than the previous year. The exact number of those reported for summons last year is not specified, but the total number of arrests alone was 66.

Legal and Political Implications

Supporting a proscribed organization is a criminal offence under UK terrorism laws. Palestine Action was banned in 2021, making it illegal to belong to or support the group. The protest highlights ongoing tensions around the Israel-Palestine conflict and the UK government's stance.

The confrontation with Ed Miliband underscores the activists' demands for a stronger response to the situation in Gaza. Miliband, a senior Labour figure, has faced pressure from various quarters to take a more critical stance on Israel's actions.

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