Pro-Palestine Action group to rally at Labour conference led by Burnham
Key Points:
- Protesters plan a silent vigil in Liverpool during the first Labour Party conference led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, opposing the UK government's ban on Palestine Action, designated as a terrorist group since July 2025.
- Over 3,600 arrests have occurred due to civil disobedience supporting Palestine Action, with organisers expecting several hundred attendees and further arrests at the upcoming protest.
- Burnham has taken a stronger stance against Israeli settlements compared to predecessors, introducing sanctions, but activists demand suspension of all UK arms sales to Israel and lifting the ban on Palestine Action.
- Labour's position on Palestine has evolved slowly, with past leaders like Keir Starmer proscribing Palestine Action and expressing controversial views on Gaza, while Burnham's recent actions highlight a shift toward addressing Israeli actions.
- The future of the Palestine Action ban under Burnham remains uncertain, with political considerations including US policies and internal Labour dynamics influencing potential changes.