Security has been significantly increased at Labour's party conference in Liverpool amid concerns the event could be targeted by terrorists, insiders have claimed.
Around 20,000 delegates and visitors have arrived in the city for the event, which runs until tomorrow (September 30) at the Liverpool Experience Campus. Sources have said "no risks are being taken" to ensure everyone's safety as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to take to the stage today (September 29).
Heightened security measures in place
An insider said: "There is a high number of undercover officers working the rooms, both inside and out. People have no idea the level of security that has gone into the event."
"No chances have been taken and advice was given by top level security experts which has not been ignored. You only need look at other incidents around the country to know things could be planned and kick off at any point."
Drones have been banned in the area, and sweeps are ongoing throughout the event to ensure there are no security breaches. People are only allowed in and out via specific points, with patrols focusing on bins and public spaces around the venue.
Police visibility increased
Police have also increased their handling of the event to make their presence more visible. Superintendent Pete Clark, from Merseyside Police's force operations team, said: "In 2024, we had Labour for the first year as the party in power. It definitely does change the dynamic of the operation.
"Being the government, more than anything else they then attract people who don't like some of their policies."
The force worked with protest organisers to "allow them to be able to express their views in a peaceful and lawful way," Clark said, adding that "there are many uniform and plainclothes officers aligned to this operation."
"Anyone who sees an enhancement of police or security, I would ask that they're not alarmed. It's part of what we do to try and reassure you, keep our community safe and to have a smooth event," he added.
Protests and arrests at the venue
A Labour insider said: "Security briefs will be happening every hour. It's almost like they are fearing something happening.
"Given the news this week on the RAF base and what happened at Reform, Labour do not want anything to take away from the messaging they are trying to get across this weekend. We want everyone safe but there will be a very large presence around Andy Burnham today. It could be alarming to see."
Police have already been in action at the event, detaining several demonstrators outside the conference during a protest backing Palestine Action. Over 200 protesters gathered outside, many clutching handmade placards declaring: "I support Palestine Action."
Dozens of officers looked on before swooping to arrest an elderly gentleman who was seated beneath a tree. Officers then made a second arrest after informing a protester he was displaying a sign supporting a banned organisation. Labour declined to comment.
