The Labour Party conference has been dominated by the debate over Palestine – both inside the conference and outside on the streets of Liverpool, with people traveling from all over the country to have their voices heard.
In a vote driven by grassroots pressure, delegates voted to recognise Israel’s military action in Gaza as a genocide.
The motion has deepened tensions within the party, as delegates take control from Labour leadership on this divisive issue.
Campaigners, unions and fringe groups helped to push this agenda, taking to the streets every day of the conference so far.
On Sunday, 64 people were arrested outside of the conference centre on suspicion of displaying articles in support of Palestine Action, a proscribed organisation.
Merseyside Police have since released all suspects on bail.
The Israel Foreign Ministry account took to ‘X’ to comment on the announcement, stating: “While @IsraeliPM Netanyahu and @POTUS Trump are working tirelessly in Washington to end the war in Gaza, the @UKLabour Party chooses to embrace Hamas and fully adopt its lies, including the fake-genocide campaign. The world stands with the U.S. and Israel in their efforts to end the war. Labour stands with Hamas. It is a disgrace for Britain that this is the party in power.”
Labour now face a choice on whether to adopt the policy or distance itself from the member driven decision.
For both activists and politicians, the conference has shown that Gaza is a vital point in determining Labour’s future in government.
Or our TikTok:
@merseynewslive Palestine dominates Labour conference – from arrests on the streets to a landmark vote declaring genocide on Gaza. —> watch our full package on the Mersey News Live website
