CAMPAIGNERS slammed Labour for refusing to hear delegates supporting a motion calling on the party to acknowledge the genocide in Gaza during a debate today.

Two separate motions were filed, with the second backed by Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) accepting the findings of the UN that Israel is committing a genocide, and calling on the government to take urgent action — including a full arms embargo.

The first, however, “tried to undermine” the findings by falsely claiming that it only found a “risk” of genocide, campaigners said.

But only delegates chosen by the leadership-appointed chair were given a platform to speak in support of motion one.

This was despite more Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) and affiliates passing motions in support of motion two.

In total, 18 CLPs and affiliates backed it, including trade unions Unison, Aslef and TSSA, representing 1.5 million members, while just 14 CLPs supported motion one.

PSC called it a “blatant undemocratic move by the Labour leadership to silence demands from trade unions and members.”

“The Labour leadership is clearly terrified that their complicity in Israel’s genocide is being challenged and are pulling every trick in the book to silence their own members and trade union affiliates,” it said.

Motion two was proposed by Unison, with general secretary Christina McAnea telling delegates: “On the news every night, we see the Palestinians of Gaza suffering famine, death and destruction. And yes, genocide too.

“Most experts agree this is genocide. But if we wait for this to be confirmed by a court, it will be too late. It is already happening.

“It was really good to see the Prime Minister co-ordinating recognition of the state of Palestine with other like-minded countries.”

She welcomed the government’s recognition of Palestine, but said: “We must do more.

“Why can’t we, and those other countries that have recognised Palestine, send fleets of boats loaded with food and medical supplies right onto the shores of Gaza?

“We can’t continue to watch from the sidelines in horror as people are being slaughtered.”

Aslef seconded the motion.

Following the debate, Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s speech was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian protester, who asked: “Why is Britain still arming Israel?”

Ms Reeves responded that “we understand your cause … but we are now a party in government, not a party of protest” before continuing her speech.

Palestine Youth Movement and London for a Free Palestine claimed responsibility for the action, saying: “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.”

It came as Merseyside Police confirmed that the number of people arrested outside the conference for supporting Palestine Action on Sunday was 66, with 64 taken into custody on a terrorism offence.