The UK Labour Party created controversy by blocking the words “genocide” and “apartheid” in brochures referencing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians at an event during its annual conference in Liverpool. Despite pro-Palestine protests drawing over 15,000 people to oppose arms sales to Israel amid the Gaza conflict, MP Kim Johnson faced heckles from some protestors.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) revealed that Labour managers prohibited the words in question from being used at a fringe event named “Justice for Palestine”. This decision ignited further criticisms, with PSC’s director Ben Jamal emphasizing the party’s failure to address the root cause of the conflict.
Moreover, an event sponsored by Northrop Grumman, a major Israeli military supplier, stirred more tension as calls for a complete arms ban gained momentum within the Labour Party. As the conference progresses, discussions around halting arms sales dominate, with plans for debates and speeches from Palestinian representatives.
Amidst this turmoil, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced backlash over receiving donations for clothing, vowing to stop accepting such contributions moving forward.