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(TJV) Tensions flared at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Monday as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ speech was interrupted by an anti-Israel protester. Anger also mounted over the government’s controversial plans to reduce winter fuel subsidies for pensioners.
“This is a changed Labour Party, not a party of protest”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is heckled by a protester at Labour conference.
You would never guess that this party won a general election less than 100 days ago. 😂 pic.twitter.com/90iunMWZtq
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) September 23, 2024
Despite the left-wing government’s efforts to project unity, deep internal divisions within Labour became evident. During Reeves’ address, a protester loudly criticized the UK’s ongoing sale of arms to Israel amidst the Gaza conflict with Hamas, shouting, “We are still selling arms to Israel! I thought we voted for change, Rachel!” He was forcibly removed while chants of “free Palestine” and “stop oil” echoed from the crowd.
The protest was claimed by the activist group Climate Resistance, with spokesperson Sam Simons telling GB News that Labour was offering “more of the same” policies. He accused the party of continuing to support fossil fuel industries, authorizing arms sales contributing to the conflict in Gaza, and implementing austerity measures that hit the poorest communities hardest. Simons urged Labour to stop issuing arms licenses to Israel, halt new oil and gas projects, and advocate for those already suffering due to the climate crisis.
Chancellor Reeves responded to the interruption, saying, “This is a changed Labour Party, a Labour Party that represents working people, not a party of protest.”
The conference also faced criticism over the government’s decision to delay the debate on cutting winter fuel subsidies, despite surging energy costs, until Wednesday. This postponement was met with loud jeers from attendees. Lynne Morris, chairwoman of the conference arrangements committee, attempted to calm the situation, stating, “This is a really busy conference, and we are trying to accommodate as much as we can. I’ll take this back straight to CAC and return with an answer ASAP.”
Regardless of the debate schedule, Chancellor Reeves made it clear that the government intends to push forward with plans to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners, emphasizing that any vote held at the conference would be non-binding.
The conference takes place against the backdrop of a growing scandal involving Labour leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy PM Angela Rayner, and Reeves herself, who have faced criticism for accepting luxurious gifts from party donors. This controversy coincides with a significant drop in the government’s popularity, with Starmer’s approval rating plummeting by 45% since July, according to a recent Opinium poll, leaving him with a negative 26 rating, even lower than his predecessor Rishi Sunak.
