Fifteen thousand people marched in protest against the government's Israel policy as the party's conference began in Liverpool

UK Labour Party managers blocked the words “genocide” and “apartheid” in reference to Israel’s conduct against Palestinians from being used in brochures at a side event during its annual conference in Liverpool.

The conference’s start was marked by pro-Palestine protests as over 15,000 people marched through the city on Saturday to express their opposition to Britain selling arms to Israel amid its ongoing siege and bombardment of Gaza.

Labour MP Kim Johnson addressed the crowd but was heckled by some protesters who urged her to “get out of the Labour Party”.

Meanwhile, another event due to be held on Monday entitled “A new era of defence” is being sponsored by Northrop Grumman, a company that supplies the Israeli military with weapons and missile systems reportedly used on Palestinian civilians.