RACHEL Reeves’s speech to Labour conference was interrupted by a pro-Palestine protester.
The man could be seen holding a Palestinian flag over his head as he heckled the Chancellor from the audience.
He could be heard referring to “two years of genocide” and “the starvation of Palestinians”.
Reeves had been about to hail new legislation before the interruption.
She responded: "We understand your cause and we are recognising a Palestinian state. But we are now a party in government not a party of protest.
"And I'm proud to stand here as your Chancellor, the Chancellor that's increased the minimum wage, a Chancellor that is introducing free breakfast clubs and free school meals, a Chancellor that's overseen five cuts to interest rates.
"That's the difference we make and that's the difference we make in power, not through protest. Our party has changed and that is why I am standing here, proud to be your Chancellor of the Exchequer. "
BREAKING: Pro-Palestine protester interrupts Chancellor Rachel Reeves' keynote speech at the Labour conference.https://t.co/hHFNsFYeVw 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/ZknAhiZ2fW
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 29, 2025
Reeves received a standing ovation for her response from her Cabinet colleagues.
Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine claimed responsibility for the protest and said that an activist they identified as "Sam P" said: "Why is Britain still arming Israel?”
In a statement issued by the protest groups following the disruption, the activist said: “It’s unbearable to watch this British-backed genocide unfolding on our screens while Labour carries on with business as usual.
“We should do whatever we can to push for an end to the atrocities.”
Merseyside Police said there was "no police involvement" after the heckler was removed by security. The force said the matter was dealt with by internal security staff.
Elsewhere in her speech, she appeared to fire a broadside at Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who appears to have leadership ambitions and recently suggested that the UK Government should not be “in hock” to the bond markets.
She said: there was “nothing progressive, nothing Labour, about Government using one in every £10 of public money it spends on financing debt interest”.
Reeves added: “In the months ahead, we will face further tests, with the choices to come made all the harder by harsh global headwinds and the long-term damage done to our economy, which is becoming ever clearer.”
She also confirmed that the Government would "push ahead" with plans to construct Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The Chancellor said that her second Budget, due towards the end of November, was "about building a renewed economy for a renewed Britain".
He added: "A renewed economy, where we reject austerity and support public services.
“A renewed economy that supports investment, that gets inflation and borrowing down and where we build for growth in every part of Britain.”
