Green party votes to adopt policy that equates Zionism with racism

The Green Party conference in Brighton voted 1,022 to 813 to adopt a binding policy that equates Zionism with racism and calls for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state with equal rights for all. The motion defines Zionism as an ideology that privileges one ethnic group through the subjugation of others and instructs the party’s anti-racism working group to treat it like other forms of racism. Four of the party’s five MPs - Adrian Ramsay, Ellie Chowns, Siân Berry and Carla Denyer - opposed the motion, and leader Zack Polanski, who was absent from the vote, has faced criticism for his handling of the controversy. Israel’s foreign ministry, invoking the IHRA definition, condemned the decision as antisemitic and announced that Polanski is barred from entering Israel.

The change was driven by a campaign from Greens for Palestine and an influx of new members who signed up to influence conference votes, prompting concerns about factionalism and discipline. An amendment to prevent the policy being used to proscribe or discipline members for affiliation with Jewish institutions was defeated, and some Jewish Greens say they fear repercussions for supporting Zionist organisations. Lawyers and equality experts, including Adam Wagner KC, warn a legal challenge under the Equality Act 2010 is likely because Zionism may be a protected belief. Jewish groups such as the Movement for Progressive Judaism condemned the motion as antisemitic, while supporters insist it will not trigger expulsions.