Labour strikes conference security deal in nick of time

Labour’s annual conference could be scrapped as the party struggles to find a security provider.

Labour voted previous year to boycott G4S after protesters claimed that its ties to Israeli jails and detention centers made the company “complicit in violations of worldwide law” and “Israel’s use of mass incarceration as a means by which to dissuade Palestinians from protesting Israel’s systematic human rights abuses”.

Last year, Labour’s governing National Executive Committee voted to stop using G4S Plc, which has provided conference security for more than 20 years, because of the company’s activities in Israel.

Unable to find an alternative security firm, the left-wing party went back to G4S earlier this week, only to be turned down.

Labour is due to begin its conference in Liverpool, north west England, on September 25, the day after the leadership contest result reveals whether veteran left-wing party leader Jeremy Corbyn has clung on to his job.

Meanwhile, the GMB trade union, which represents security industry workers has claimed another potential security provider, Showsec, has refused to formally recognise the union to negotiate pay and conditions.

Today, a G4S spokesperson confirmed the story and in a statement to the Telegraph said: “This is a large, complex event, which we would ordinarily plan up to a year in advance”.

G4S, which had been subject to a Labour boycott, said it was now too late for it to step in and organise protection arrangements the conference in Liverpool.

Planning for such an event would normally take up to a year, involving clearance for security officers, detailed risk assessments and planning with local police forces, he said.

“Clearly we were disappointed not to continue such a successful working relationship”.

Showsec has said it is “not anti-unions in any way” and had not been told that signing a union agreement was a prerequisite to tendering for the conference contract.

“Decisions are made by elected NEC members, and not party staff.’As he says, Labour conference is going to be an ‘excellent event”.