UK police arrest Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja over Gaza anti-genocide protest ahead of Labour conference

Massive Attack member Robert Del Naja was arrested in Liverpool on Saturday under anti-terror laws over a Palestine solidarity protest, as members of the UK's ruling Labour Party prepared to attend the annual party conference in the city.

Del Naja was arrested for holding a placard reading: “I OPPOSE GENOCIDE, I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION”, which was made an offence after direct action group Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 2025.

The singer-songwriter took part in a silent protest organised by Defend Our Juries’ 'Lift the Ban' campaign to end the proscription of the pro-Palestine group.

After his arrest, Defend Our Juries released a pre-recorded message to Prime Minister Andy Burnham featuring Del Naja, human rights barrister Michael Mansfield KC, and Palestine Action co-founder Huda Amoori.

“Prime Minister, we don’t believe that you believe that these citizens are terrorists,” the three said on Instagram, referring to the hundreds who have been arrested over their support for the proscribed group.

“So we ask you to stop what is obviously wrong. De-proscribe Palestine Action.”

Del Naja was also one of 500 protesters arrested in April during a similar protest.

Saturday's protest was held on the eve of the Labour Party conference, which is Burnham's first since becoming prime minister in July.

The musician and Burnham stood side by side last year in support of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, where he praised the musician’s “clarity and leadership”.

Trip hop group Massive Attack have been vocal in their support of the Palestinian cause, and critical of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.

The group were detained by police in Singapore after unfurling a Palestinian flag on stage and chanting “Free Palestine” at a concert in July.

Alongside Irish pro-Palestine group Kneecap, Massive Attack launched a pro-Palestine music alliance last year to resist censorship.