A PROTESTER has been dragged out of Labour conference after showering Keir Starmer with glitter before his keynote speech.
The man was removed by security after interrupting the beginning of the Labour leader’s address.
The protester could be heard saying: “True democracy is citizen-led. Politics needs an update.”
Police have said he was arrested on suspicion of assault, breach of the peace and causing public nuisance over the incident.
As security wrestled him away from the microphone, the man added: “We are in crisis, our whole future is in jeopardy.”
Protester storms stage and throws glitter over Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as he starts conference speech Follow live https://t.co/pej4HYPHbP pic.twitter.com/nc6KvYUnO6
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 10, 2023
"If he thinks that bothers me, he doesn't know me," said Starmer after the man was led away from the stage.
He added: "Protest or power: that's why we changed our party, conference. That's why we changed our party. Thank you.
"And it was just as well it was me because my wife's dress is really beautiful."
A group called People Demand Democracy has claimed responsibility for the stunt.
In a press release, the group said: “The people of the UK are more disillusioned by the state of our politics than at any time in living memory – look at the polls. A
"fter years of battling over Brexit, lockdown parties, abuse claims, crumbling public services and crashing living standards, people are sick to the back teeth of politicians.
"And we are furious there is no way to make our voices heard. This has got to change.
“We need a democratic alternative that gives the people of the UK a voice to deal with the major challenges of our time: rampant inequality, an escalating climate crisis, political corruption and on.
"But what do we have instead? A Labour Party offering very little in terms of real change.”
'Labour has been captured by lobbyists'
The group included a quote from the protester, who they did not name in its press release, saying: “The Labour Party has been captured, donors and lobbyists have more control over Keir Starmer than his members.
"A House of Citizens will force politicians to listen to people, it dismantles their relationships with the rich, it would create meaningful change in our economy and fix inequality.
"It would address the climate and ecological emergency and transform our country.
“It would listen to scientists and communities and unearth consensus, not profit off conflict and division.”
Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man from Surrey has been arrested following an incident at the Labour Party conference earlier this afternoon.
“The man was detained by security at the event and handed over to the police who arrested him on suspicion of S39 assault, breach of the peace and causing public nuisance.
“He has been taken to a police station where he will be questioned by police.”
