The short version
- Green Party leader Zack Polanski stated he will not reverse the motion declaring Zionism racist, respecting member votes until 2028.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission has requested details to determine if the policy violates discrimination laws.
- Labour has threatened to terminate local council partnerships with Green groups that support the controversial stance.
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has confirmed he will not attempt to overturn a contentious motion passed by party members earlier this month. The resolution declared Zionism to be a form of racism and advocated for a single democratic state in historic Palestine. Despite significant criticism from across the political spectrum, including Jewish campaigners and government officials, Polanski indicated that the decision remains binding party policy until 2028.
The motion was approved at the party conference in Brighton by a vote of 1,022 to 813. This turnout represented only a small fraction of the Green Party’s estimated 230,000 members. Polanski acknowledged that while he would have preferred amendments to the text, he respects the democratic will of those who participated. He stated that procedural rules prevent immediate changes to policies decided upon at conferences, leaving the stance in place for the next two years.
The resolution described Zionism as an ideology supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state that excludes or dominates the non-Jewish population. It also called for a full arms embargo on Israel and affirmed support for Palestinian liberation. Polanski argued that while many view Zionism as a right to safety, its practical application has resulted in harm to Palestinians. He emphasized that he does not consider the label controversial given the high number of Palestinian deaths in recent years.
Polanski sought to clarify that being Jewish and supporting Israel are distinct issues. He reiterated that no Jewish members would be excluded from the party based on their faith or background. Previously, he had proposed amendments to ensure the motion could not be used to discipline members who attend Zionist synagogues and to avoid mandating a single-state solution. Both proposals were rejected by the voting members.
The fallout from the vote has overshadowed Polanski’s campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where he finished second to Labour. The controversy has also raised questions about his leadership stability. Green MPs, including Ellie Chowns, have called for a review of the party’s decision-making processes, citing the low participation rate in the vote that determined such a significant policy shift.
Regulatory scrutiny has intensified following the announcement. The Equality and Human Rights Commission wrote to the party seeking more information about the motion’s practical effects. The watchdog noted that many Jewish people feel vulnerable due to the stance but required further details to assess whether any aspects violate the 2010 Equality Act. This inquiry follows a letter from dozens of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs expressing concern.
Political consequences are already materializing at the local level. The Labour government has stated it will end power-sharing agreements with Green councillors on local councils unless they disown the motion. Polanski responded that individual councillors should decide how to act in their respective areas. This stance highlights the growing tension between national party policy and local governance realities.
Lubna Speitan, the author of the motion, defended the position by accusing the Labour government of participating in genocide and lacking moral authority to discuss antisemitism. The International Court of Justice is currently hearing a case regarding accusations against Israeli forces, which Israel denies as unfounded. As the Green Party navigates this internal and external pressure, the debate underscores deep divisions over how to address the conflict in Palestine.
Polanski indicated that he intends to amend the policy at the first available opportunity, specifically moving away from the single-state solution toward allowing Israelis and Palestinians to determine their own future. However, until 2028, the current resolution stands as official party doctrine. The situation remains fluid as political allies distance themselves and regulatory bodies examine potential legal implications.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Polanski says he will not overturn Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' motion
