Reeves interrupted by protester

In a dramatic moment at the Labour Party conference today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves was interrupted by a protester waving a Palestinian flag while delivering her keynote address. The disruption occurred in front of a packed hall, briefly halting proceedings.

Reeves regained composure quickly and addressed the interruption directly, saying she understood the cause and that the UK government had decided to recognise a Palestinian state.  The protester was escorted out by security without further incident.

The interruption underscores heightened political sensitivities at the conference, which is already unfolding amid deep division, fiscal pressure, and internal party dissent. Observers see it as a reminder that foreign policy flashpoints may intrude on domestic political theatre.

Earlier in her speech, Reeves had warned that allowing public spending to spiral would undermine market confidence, adding that such damage would be “felt immediately” through rising interest rates and cost pressures.  She also reaffirmed a commitment to fiscal discipline ahead of the November budget.

Labour officials moved swiftly to calm the atmosphere after the interruption. The conference schedule resumed with minimal interruption and heightened security. Party insiders described the event as “unfortunate” but not destabilising.

Political commentators link the protest to the broader global attention on the Middle East conflict and growing domestic concerns about how UK governments engage with foreign policy issues. The intrusion at a flagship economic address may prompt the party to tighten controls over access or impose stricter security protocols for future speeches.