POLITE PROTESTER
UK
Protester who disrupted Keir Starmer conference speech knows his actions 'crossed the line'The protester stormed the stage, threw glitter and shouted "true democracy is citizen-led"
NEWS
By Patrick EdrichReporter
13 OCT 2023
On Thursday, the force said the man — who Mr Ashmawi has confirmed is him — has been bailed pending further inquiries. Mr Ashmawi told the podcast he was kept in a cell for 22 hours after his arrest.
He belongs to a group called People Demand Democracy, which is calling for reform of the political system. The campaigner said the group wanted to see an “upgraded form of democracy”, suggesting it backed a more proportional electoral system.
After throwing the glitter over Sir Keir, Mr Ashmawi shouted “true democracy is citizen-led”. The protester continued to shout “politics needs an update”, “we demand a people’s house”, “we are in crisis” and “our whole future is in jeopardy” as he was wrestled to the ground.
Mr Ashmawi said he used some chairs to hoist himself up and he "hopped" onto the stage where Sir Keir was standing waiting for the applause to subside before addressing those at the ACC Liverpool conference centre. He said: “The thing is, I put my hand on his arm and touched him and I think… politicians, they get a lot of death threats and they have a need to feel safe and I compromised that in that moment by touching him."
He added: "If Mr Starmer felt that he was threatened… I take responsibility for that, I want to take full responsibility for my actions."
Sir Keir pushed the activist away from the microphone with his right arm before security arrived. After removing his jacket, the Labour leader said "if he thinks that bothers me, he doesn’t know me".
He later admitted the incident "could have been a lot worse", and questions have since been raised about the level of security in place. ACC Liverpool, who provided the security at the conference, said: “A protest incident took place during the leader’s speech at the Labour Party conference when an attendee gained access to the stage.
A protester storms the stage and throws glitter over Labour party leader, Sir Keir Starmer during the leader's speech on the third day of the Labour Party conference on October 10, 2023 in Liverpool
(Image: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
A protester who disrupted Keir Starmer's keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference apologised and said he knows his actions "crossed the line".
Protester Yaz Ashmawi admitted to tipping glitter over the Labour leader and grabbing him just as he was about to begin his set-piece speech in Liverpool on Tuesday. Speaking to the Politics Uncensored podcast on Fubar Radio, Mr Ashmawi said he took "responsibility" for what he did and apologised for making Sir Keir feel unsafe
He told show host Ali Milani on Thursday: "The thought that, even for a moment, he felt that he was in danger is horrible to think about. I think it is absolutely fine to pour glitter on someone and to go onto the stage. I just think it is physical contact that crossed the line there."
Asked whether he would like to apologise to the Opposition leader, he said: "Yes, absolutely. I’m sorry for doing that." Merseyside Police confirmed it arrested a 28-year-old man from Surrey on suspicion of assault, breach of the peace and causing public nuisance following the stunt.
A protester who disrupted Keir Starmer's keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference apologised and said he knows his actions "crossed the line".
Protester Yaz Ashmawi admitted to tipping glitter over the Labour leader and grabbing him just as he was about to begin his set-piece speech in Liverpool on Tuesday. Speaking to the Politics Uncensored podcast on Fubar Radio, Mr Ashmawi said he took "responsibility" for what he did and apologised for making Sir Keir feel unsafe
He told show host Ali Milani on Thursday: "The thought that, even for a moment, he felt that he was in danger is horrible to think about. I think it is absolutely fine to pour glitter on someone and to go onto the stage. I just think it is physical contact that crossed the line there."
Asked whether he would like to apologise to the Opposition leader, he said: "Yes, absolutely. I’m sorry for doing that." Merseyside Police confirmed it arrested a 28-year-old man from Surrey on suspicion of assault, breach of the peace and causing public nuisance following the stunt.
On Thursday, the force said the man — who Mr Ashmawi has confirmed is him — has been bailed pending further inquiries. Mr Ashmawi told the podcast he was kept in a cell for 22 hours after his arrest.
He belongs to a group called People Demand Democracy, which is calling for reform of the political system. The campaigner said the group wanted to see an “upgraded form of democracy”, suggesting it backed a more proportional electoral system.
After throwing the glitter over Sir Keir, Mr Ashmawi shouted “true democracy is citizen-led”. The protester continued to shout “politics needs an update”, “we demand a people’s house”, “we are in crisis” and “our whole future is in jeopardy” as he was wrestled to the ground.
Mr Ashmawi said he used some chairs to hoist himself up and he "hopped" onto the stage where Sir Keir was standing waiting for the applause to subside before addressing those at the ACC Liverpool conference centre. He said: “The thing is, I put my hand on his arm and touched him and I think… politicians, they get a lot of death threats and they have a need to feel safe and I compromised that in that moment by touching him."
He added: "If Mr Starmer felt that he was threatened… I take responsibility for that, I want to take full responsibility for my actions."
Sir Keir pushed the activist away from the microphone with his right arm before security arrived. After removing his jacket, the Labour leader said "if he thinks that bothers me, he doesn’t know me".
He later admitted the incident "could have been a lot worse", and questions have since been raised about the level of security in place. ACC Liverpool, who provided the security at the conference, said: “A protest incident took place during the leader’s speech at the Labour Party conference when an attendee gained access to the stage.
"Whilst The ACC Liverpool Group recognises the rights of all groups and individuals to free speech and freedom of expression, the safety of all those attending events including speakers, performers, customers and staff is of the utmost importance to us.
"Highly trained stewarding and security teams ensured the incident was dealt with appropriately. We will assist Merseyside Police as required."
"Highly trained stewarding and security teams ensured the incident was dealt with appropriately. We will assist Merseyside Police as required."
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