Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was confronted by Palestine Action demonstrators during a campaign event in Leeds, where activists demanded the Labour Party cut ties with controversial arms manufacturer Elbit Systems.
The protesters, dressed in red boiler suits symbolising bloodshed, accused Cooper of hypocrisy for accepting donations from individuals linked to Elbit while criticising government arms sales to Israel. Video footage shows activists shouting "Yvette Cooper, shame on you" as they were removed by security.
Labour's Elbit Connections Under Fire
Palestine Action claims Labour has received over £400,000 from pro-Elbit donors since Keir Starmer became leader. The group alleges these financial ties influence Labour's stance on Gaza, despite the party's calls for ceasefire.
Cooper, who was visiting a local business when interrupted, later stated: "While everyone has the right to peaceful protest, it's important these discussions happen respectfully." The MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford did not directly address the Elbit funding allegations.
Growing Pressure on Arms Trade Links
The confrontation comes amid increasing scrutiny of UK political parties' connections to defence contractors. Elbit Systems, Israel's largest arms firm, has faced repeated protests at its British facilities over alleged complicity in Palestinian civilian casualties.
Labour sources suggest the party maintains a distinction between individual donors' business interests and official party policy. However, campaigners argue such financial relationships create unacceptable conflicts of interest regarding Middle East policy.
