Protesters spray paint 'genocide' at entrance of Labour gathering venue in opposition to UK's arms sales to Israel

By Aysu Bicer

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AA) - Activists from a youth campaign group staged a protest at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday, spray-painting the words "genocide conference" at the entrance to the venue in response to the UK government's ongoing arms sales to Israel.

In a statement, Youth Demand condemned the Labour Party's decision to permit arms exports to Israel, despite significant public opposition.

The group noted that a majority of UK citizens support a complete arms embargo against Israel, a stance the government has largely ignored.

"Labour is still arming Israel despite a majority of the public backing a complete arms embargo," said a spokesperson for Youth Demand, the group that spearheaded the protest.

"Despite admitting there is a ‘clear risk’ of ‘serious violation of international humanitarian law,’ they have spinelessly suspended less than 10% of arms licenses," the spokesperson added.

The UK government has acknowledged that British-made weapons may be used in ways that violate international law. However, Youth Demand criticized Labour’s limited response, which they believe does not adequately address public concerns.

Recently, the government announced a suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel after a review, citing a clear risk that certain UK arms exports could facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The suspended licenses cover components for military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and items related to ground targeting, but notably exclude UK components for the F-35 fighter jet program.