Protesters Detained at Labour Conference Over UK Ban on Palestine Action

On September 28, 2026, police arrested several demonstrators outside the Labour Party’s national conference in Manchester. The activists were holding signs and chanting slogans that condemned the British government’s decision to list the climate‑justice group Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization. Al Jazeera reported that officers used handcuffs and escorted the protesters to a nearby police station before releasing them on bail.

According to the police spokesperson, the arrests were made because the demonstrators refused to disperse after being warned that their presence violated public order rules. The force also noted that no violent conduct was recorded, and that the individuals were detained solely for breaching the ban on supporting a proscribed group. The Labour Party’s security team confirmed that the protest took place near the main conference hall but did not disrupt the scheduled proceedings.

Labour leaders on the floor of the conference condemned the arrests, describing them as an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent. A senior party official told reporters that the party “stands firmly for the right to peaceful protest, even when the issues are contentious.” The statement echoed broader concerns among opposition parties about the scope of the government’s new counter‑terrorism powers.

Palestine Action, founded in 2022, has built a reputation for high‑profile civil‑disobedience campaigns targeting companies linked to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Its tactics have included blockading ports, occupying corporate headquarters, and disrupting supply chains. In July 2025, the UK Home Office classified the group as a terrorist organization, citing alleged links to extremist networks—a move that sparked criticism from human‑rights groups and prompted legal challenges that are still pending in the courts. The designation means that providing any form of support, including public advocacy, can be prosecuted under the Terrorism Act.

The arrests at the Labour conference highlight a growing tension between security legislation and civil liberties in the United Kingdom. Legal experts warn that the broadened definition of “support” could deter a wide range of political expression, from environmental activism to anti‑war demonstrations. As the case against Palestine Action proceeds, courts will be asked to balance national security concerns with the fundamental right to protest, a debate that may set precedents for future activism across the country.