Journalist Owen Jones has had his press pass revoked at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, he has revealed. The Guardian columnist and left-wing commentator said he was told it was a 'safeguarding' issue after he questioned ministers on issues including benefit cuts and arms sales to Israel.
Jones, who has covered party conferences for 15 years, said he was emailed by Labour officials citing 'complaints' about his 'conduct'. Rivkah Brown of Novara Media also had her pass cancelled at the same time. Jones described the move as 'Trumpian' and accused the party of being intolerant of dissent.
The incident comes amid what Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called a 'climate of fear' within Labour under Sir Keir Starmer. Jones said the party has 'not only lost its soul, but is scared of the truth'. He pointed to the suspension of MPs for opposing Israel's actions in Gaza, the two-child benefit cap, and disability benefit changes.
Outside the conference, police arrested dozens of peaceful protesters holding placards opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action, which the Labour government has proscribed as a terrorist organisation. Jones noted that around 1,700 people have been arrested since the ban.
Jones also criticised the corporate influence at the conference, with sponsors including lobbying firms and Uber. He said the party's commitment to a third Heathrow runway was 'boastfully projected' on a wall, and that signs of idealism were scarce.
The party faces record low approval ratings, with just 12% approving of the government's record according to polling. Sir John Curtice told delegates that Labour began its term with weak enthusiasm and has gone downhill since.
