The short version
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission has formally requested information from the Green Party regarding a motion equating Zionism with racism, citing potential breaches of the Equality Act 2010.
- Internal dissent within the Greens is mounting, with four of five parliamentary representatives and former leaders condemning the measure as divisive, while leader Zack Polanski admits the text is imperfect but supports its core substance.
- The Labour Party has announced it will terminate power-sharing arrangements with Green councillors who fail to repudiate the motion, signaling a significant shift in local government alliances.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has initiated an inquiry into the Green Party of England and Wales following the adoption of a contentious motion declaring Zionism to be a form of racism. The regulatory body confirmed it has written to the party seeking detailed information to assess the practical implications of this new policy stance. This intervention comes after numerous complaints alleging that the motion creates an environment where Jewish individuals may face discrimination based on their beliefs, potentially violating the Equality Act 2010.
The watchdog emphasized that its assessment will focus heavily on how the motion affects members in practice rather than solely on the wording itself. Officials noted that many Jewish people are currently feeling vulnerable due to the party's direction. The commission stated it would take appropriate action if evidence suggests unlawful activity, highlighting concerns that the policy could hinder equal participation for Jewish members within the organization.
The motion in question defines Zionism as an ideology supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine, which it argues leads to the exclusion or domination of non-Jewish populations. While the measure has been adopted as party policy by members, it is not guaranteed to appear in the manifesto for the next general election. Critics, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, argue that the text effectively calls for the non-existence of Israel and labels any support for a Jewish homeland as racist behavior.
Internal friction within the Green Party has become increasingly visible since the vote. Four of the party's five Members of Parliament, along with two former leaders, have publicly criticized the decision. One former leader described the motion as dangerous and divisive, reflecting deep unease among senior figures about the direction of the party. These criticisms highlight a significant rift between the grassroots membership that passed the resolution and the elected representatives who must navigate broader political realities.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has found himself under considerable pressure following this controversy, which coincides with a recent by-election defeat. He acknowledged that the motion was imperfect and expressed a desire to see it amended in the future. Despite his reservations about the specific language, Polanski indicated support for the underlying substance of the resolution, a stance that has done little to quell the anger from critics who view the policy as fundamentally incompatible with inclusive political engagement.
In response to the regulator's inquiry, the Green Party maintained that it does not discriminate against or exclude individuals for holding Zionist views. A spokesperson asserted that the motion represents a political position rather than a change in membership conditions or internal disciplinary processes. The party reiterated its commitment to tackling antisemitism and ensuring that Jewish members feel welcome, pointing to existing comprehensive guidance on the issue that remains unchanged.
However, concerns persist regarding the safety and inclusion of Jewish members. Earlier this month, dozens of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, alongside Jewish campaigners, wrote to the regulator raising alarms about potential antisemitism. Their correspondence highlighted specific incidents where amendments designed to protect Jewish Green members attending Zionist synagogues were voted down. These developments have raised serious questions about whether Jewish participants can engage freely without fear of disciplinary action or exposure to complaints.
The political fallout extends beyond internal party dynamics and regulatory scrutiny. The Labour Party has declared it will end power-sharing agreements with Green councillors on local councils unless those officials disown the motion. This ultimatum marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two parties at the local level, forcing Green representatives to choose between adhering to their new national policy or maintaining cooperative governance structures. The situation remains fluid as the Equality and Human Rights Commission continues its assessment of the practical effects of the Greens' stance.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Equality watchdog writes to Greens over 'Zionism is racism' motion
