Rachel Reeves’ speech interrupted by protesters over arms sales to Israel at Labour conference

Rachel Reeves’ first speech as Chancellor at the Labour conference was interrupted by a protester.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered her first keynote speech at the Labour Party conference, which was disrupted by a heckler protesting the UK’s arms sales to Israel. The protester was quickly ejected from the venue, with Reeves responding, “This is a changed Labour Party, a Labour Party that represents working people, not a party of protest.”

The protest was later claimed by the activist group Climate Resistance. Despite the disruption, Reeves continued her speech, receiving applause and a standing ovation from the audience. Her speech focused on Labour’s economic vision ahead of her first Budget on October 30, emphasizing that the party will not return to the austerity measures implemented by the Conservatives.

Reeves stated, “Conservative austerity was a destructive choice for our public services and for investment and growth too,” adding that while difficult decisions remain, Labour’s ambition for the UK will not be diminished. She announced plans to roll out free breakfast clubs in hundreds of schools across England starting in April 2024.