Protesters disrupted Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech at the party’s conference, voicing their opposition to arms sales to Israel. Reeves responded by stating that Labour is no longer the party of protest and has evolved to represent working people. She emphasized the importance of including the work of women in the economic story, highlighting her own appointment as the first female Chancellor. The speech was briefly interrupted by additional shouts from protesters, but Reeves continued unfazed.
Reeves’ address also touched on the need for stability in economic growth, contrasting with the Liz Truss mini-budget, which she criticized for lacking stability. She emphasized the importance of investment in infrastructure to spur economic growth and pledged not to cut investment despite the need to address a financial shortfall left by the previous government.
Additionally, Labour’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, signaled a commitment to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, highlighting Labour’s historical ties to the armed forces. Criticism was directed at the government over the delayed vote on winter fuel allowance cuts, with the decision labeled as disrespectful and an outrage.
Overall, the conference saw a mix of policy announcements, protests, and criticisms, with Reeves maintaining a positive and resilient tone throughout her speech, emphasizing Labour’s focus on economic growth and stability. The event also saw challenges from unions, campaigners, and the opposition, showcasing the diversity of voices within the Labour Party.
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