Janice R. Andrews
In a striking moment at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, an 18-year-old student interrupted Sir Keir Starmer’s keynote address, accusing the Prime Minister of “hypocrisy” regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Daniel Riley, a Labour member and political activist, made headlines as he expressed his outrage over the UK’s involvement in the Middle East.
A Protest That Captivated the Audience
As Sir Keir wrapped up his speech, Riley, distinguished by his red polo shirt and a lanyard with a Palestinian flag, began shouting and gesturing passionately. His interruption drew the attention of the audience as he criticized the PM’s call for an immediate ceasefire while Britain continued to supply arms to Israel and Lebanon.
“The hypocrisy is overwhelming,” Riley stated to reporters after being escorted away by security. “Every day, British bombs and bullets are being utilized in Gaza and Lebanon, and the Prime Minister, who has the power to stop this, is doing nothing.”
An Unplanned Act of Anger
In the aftermath of the incident, Riley revealed that his outburst was spontaneous. He hadn’t intended to speak out but felt compelled to act when Sir Keir mentioned the need for a ceasefire. “I couldn’t just sit there and listen to him advocate for a ceasefire while doing nothing to stop the violence,” Riley explained.
As the chair of Reform Youth, a social democratic political organization in Jersey, he acknowledged that his protest would likely lead to the revocation of his Labour membership. His conference pass was promptly cancelled, and he anticipated being permanently removed from the party. Still, Riley didn’t seem to regret his actions. “It probably wasn’t worth losing my membership, but I felt I had to speak up,” he admitted.
Disillusionment with Labour Leadership
Riley’s criticism extended beyond Sir Keir; he expressed frustration with the Labour Party overall. Despite joining the party in 2022 with hopes of driving reform under Starmer’s leadership, he felt deeply disappointed by the lack of substantial change. “It’s the same old Tory sleaze, along with scandals about freebies and gifts,” he remarked, referencing controversies involving Labour figures receiving items like Taylor Swift concert tickets.
His feelings reflect a broader sentiment among young voters who are increasingly disillusioned with a political system they feel is failing to address urgent issues such as foreign policy and economic disparity.
Labour Leadership’s Reaction
Sir Keir, seemingly unfazed by the interruption, attempted to downplay the protest. “This guy obviously got a pass from the 2019 conference,” he quipped, which elicited laughter and applause from the audience. However, Riley’s protest highlighted a growing divide between the leadership and younger, more progressive members of the party. Sir Keir has faced mounting criticism regarding his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with many calling for a stronger stance against arms sales to the region.
The Labour leader’s keynote address aimed to reset his government’s agenda, urging voters and party members to show “patience” as he navigates “painful choices.” Yet, the incident underscored the disconnect between leadership and some of its more passionate supporters.
A Pattern of Disruptions
Riley’s protest isn’t an isolated incident. Just the day before, pro-Palestinian activists interrupted Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech at the same conference, demanding an end to arms sales to Israel. This trend of protests illustrates the growing unrest among activists who feel their concerns are being ignored.
Sir Keir himself has been no stranger to disruptions. Last year, during the Labour conference, he was doused in glitter by members of People Demand Democracy, a protest that momentarily halted his speech but failed to rattle him. He maintained his composure again this time, continuing his speech after Riley’s removal.
Labour’s Internal Challenges
The protest and Riley’s comments reflect the ongoing challenges facing Labour as it strives to unite a party with a diverse range of views. From young activists demanding immediate action on foreign policy and social issues to more centrist members advocating for gradual reforms, Labour is wrestling with internal divisions.
In his speech, Sir Keir emphasized the long-term nature of the party’s mission, asserting, “This is a long-term project, and I’ve never pretended otherwise. The work of change has begun, but we’re only just getting started.”
Despite his calls for unity and patience, it’s evident that members like Riley feel the pace of change is inadequate — and they aren’t hesitant to voice their frustrations, even at the risk of their political standing.
A Moment of Reflection
For Riley, the protest transcended a mere act of defiance; it was an expression of his convictions about the moral obligations of political leaders in addressing global crises. When asked if he regretted his actions, he responded, “I might have lost my membership, but I couldn’t stay silent. If that’s the price of speaking out, so be it.”
As Labour navigates its path forward, voices like Riley’s will continue to challenge the party to balance its broader policy objectives with the demands of its grassroots supporters — a reality starkly highlighted at this year’s conference.
