Pro-Palestine Activists Plan Labour Conference Rally Under Burnham’s Leadership

London, United Kingdom – Protesters are set to gather in Liverpool near the Labour Party conference venue on Sunday for a silent, sign-holding vigil supporting Palestine Action, following its designation as a terrorist organization earlier this year, according to Defend Our Juries, a civil rights group advocating for the ban’s reversal.

The demonstrators aim to pressure Prime Minister Andy Burnham to end the UK’s support for Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, while demanding the proscription of Palestine Action be lifted. Organizers anticipate several hundred attendees and potential arrests.

The protest serves as an “integrity test” of Burnham’s commitment to halting British complicity in Israeli actions, Defend Our Juries stated.

Burnham has faced criticism after Declassified UK reported being denied media access to cover the Labour conference. Critics argue his government’s stance falls short of addressing Palestinian rights amid ongoing conflict.

Labour’s Position on Palestine

Burnham has taken a more vocal stance against Israeli settlements in the West Bank than prior leaders, announcing targeted sanctions in early 2025. However, rights groups urge the government to suspend all arms exports to Israel and lift the ban on Palestine Action, which targets arms manufacturers like Elbit Systems.

“If Burnham truly intends to halt British complicity in Israeli war crimes, he must end the arrests of peaceful protesters and reverse the proscription of Palestine Action,” Defend Our Juries claimed. “This group is actively working to prevent UK involvement in these violence.”

Labour’s Evolving Stance on Palestine

The party’s approach has evolved significantly. While Jeremy Corbyn (2015–2019) championed Palestinian rights, his tenure was marred by antisemitism allegations, leading to his resignation.Under Ed Miliband (2010–2015) and Keir Starmer (2019–2023), Labour supported a two-state solution and recognized Palestinian statehood. Starmer approved the 2025 proscription of Palestine Action days after October 2023 military operations in Gaza began.

Early in the conflict, Starmer controversially endorsed Israel’s blockade of Gaza’s water supply, later retracting the statement. Critics argue Burnham’s new sanctions highlight deficiencies in Labour’s prior leadership, though reversing the Palestine Action ban remains contentious.

Political Trajectory and Key Questions

Palestine Action’s U.S. designation as a terrorist group complicates reversal efforts. Joseph Willits of the Council for Arab-British Understanding noted it is “too early to say” if Burnham will challenge the ban, particularly amid potential U.S.-UK tensions.

Scholars suggest the protest may elevate the issue’s salience if it gains political traction, though historical patterns indicate Labour often avoids controversial stances to maintain electoral appeal.

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