More than 50 arrested at Palestine Action protest outside Labour conference

More than 50 people were arrested outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool during a protest in support of Palestine Action, Merseyside Police said, as demonstrators challenged the UK government’s proscription of the group.

According to police and organisers, more than 250 protesters gathered outside the conference centre on Sunday, many holding signs saying, “I support Palestine Action.” Officers arrested protesters on suspicion of displaying material in support of a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act.

Merseyside Police said they respected the right to lawful protest but were keen to ensure public safety. The force said not all those at the demonstration had committed a criminal offence.

The group behind the protest, Defend Our Juries, said on Monday more than 150 people had been arrested. The group demanded the proscription of Palestine Action be overturned.

Amnesty International UK chief executive Kerry Moscogiuri described the arrests as a “shameful attack on freedom of speech.”

In 2025, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action. The ban makes it a crime to show certain kinds of public support for the organisation.

Among those detained was Massive Attack singer Robert Del Naja.