Cabinet ministers have voiced strong concerns about what they described as a surge in antisemitism in the United Kingdom, prompted by the display of a contentious banner at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The banner, exhibited by pro-Palestinian protesters outside the event on the Albert Dock, featured a blue Star of David crossed out in red, accompanied by the phrase "Zionists control the Labour Party" and images resembling blood drops.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell referred to the issue as a "generational challenge," emphasizing the need to re-educate both adults and children to combat discrimination against Jewish people. Speaking at the conference, Powell said Britain is at a critical juncture that requires renewed societal efforts to address antisemitism. She described current levels as "completely obviously unacceptable" and suggested that addressing the issue involves not only targeting youth education but also educating older generations, a task she acknowledged as substantial.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, speaking at a reception hosted by the Jewish Labour Movement, also condemned the banner and the sentiments it represented. Nandy highlighted the difficulty faced by conference attendees in encountering imagery such as the Star of David depicted as dripping with blood alongside the word "Zionists," particularly within the context of a party gathering that has sought to confront antisemitism.

The Jewish Labour Movement event included speeches from Jewish members of the party who acknowledged progress made since the tenure of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. During Corbyn’s leadership, the party was accused of failing to adequately address antisemitism. In 2020, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published a report concluding that Labour had not done enough to prevent antisemitism within its ranks and that, in some instances, the party’s response could be seen as tolerant of it.

The issue remains highly sensitive within Labour, where efforts to address antisemitism continue amid ongoing debate. Ministers’ remarks reflect a broader concern about rising antisemitic incidents and the challenges of combating discriminatory attitudes in political discourse and public demonstrations.