More than 160 individuals were arrested or reported for summons following a pro-Palestine demonstration held outside the Labour party conference in Liverpool on Sunday, police have confirmed. Merseyside police stated that 82 people were arrested on suspicion of wearing or carrying an article supporting a proscribed organisation. These individuals were taken into police custody and subsequently released on bail.
An additional 79 people were reported for summons. The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, saw participants gather outside the conference centre, with many displaying banners indicating support for Palestine Action, a banned group.
Merseyside police estimated that approximately 180 people attended the demonstration, noting that not all present were committing a criminal offence. The number of arrests at this year's event is 16 higher than a similar demonstration at last year's Labour conference in Liverpool.
During the protest, two activists confronted Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband at a city centre restaurant, challenging him about the arrests and urging him to declare a genocide in Gaza and de-proscribe Palestine Action. Miliband reportedly offered to discuss the matter at another time.
Merseyside police emphasised their respect for the right to protest lawfully, while also aiming to maintain peace and public safety. Supt Peter Clark of force operations stated that proportionate action would be taken where offences were committed.