Hecklers Disrupt Rachel Reeves’ Speech at Labour Conference, Calling for End to Arms Sales to Israel and Action on Climate Change
Hecklers disrupted Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech at the Labour Party conference, demanding an end to arms sales to Israel and action on climate change. Reeves was in the middle of her address in Liverpool, where she expressed pride in being the UK’s first female chancellor, when protesters began shouting from the audience.
A man stood up, yelling, “We are still selling arms to Israel, I thought we voted for change, Rachel. Climate breakdown is on our doorstep.” Others in the crowd shouted “Free Palestine” and “Stop oil.”
One protester attempted to unfurl a banner, but it was swiftly taken by another attendee. Security quickly intervened, escorting the protesters out of the hall as the audience booed and chanted “down, down.”
Remaining composed, Reeves responded by affirming that Labour is now “a party that represents working people, not a party of protest.” Her remarks were met with cheers and a standing ovation from the audience.
The protest group Climate Resistance later claimed responsibility for the disruption, accusing security of “violently” handling one of their members. In a statement, the group argued that donations from polluting industries and pro-Israel lobbyists have influenced Labour’s inaction on these critical issues.
The protest comes shortly after the UK government suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel. Climate Resistance also reported that three of their members, all Labour Party members, were arrested, questioned by police, and later “de-arrested” after being removed from the venue.
