Green Party members have formally adopted a controversial motion. This new policy declares Zionism a form of racism, triggering significant internal and external backlash. Members voted 1022 to 813 at the party’s Brighton conference. This Green Party Zionism motion has created a clear rift.
Senior figures within the party remain deeply divided. Joint deputy leader Mothin Ali supported the motion, for example. Conversely, Rachel Millward, the other joint deputy leader, called its wording “problematic.” Furthermore, the party’s expanded membership, under leader Zack Polanski, appears at odds with many of its elected MPs.
The motion defines Zionism as an ideology supporting “an ethnonationalist Jewish state.” It also advocates for “a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine.” The text claims Zionism’s “material manifestation has been the historic and ongoing dehumanisation, displacement, dispossession, disenfranchisement and destruction of Palestinians.”
Jewish groups quickly condemned the decision. The Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council released a joint statement. They called the motion an “attack on the Jewish community.” Moreover, they asserted that Zionism offers a refuge for Jews in their ancient homeland. They also warned that branding British Jews as “racist” could stoke anti-Jewish hatred.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticised the motion. It stated the policy went beyond “legitimate political debate.” It further described the decision as “a stain on the history of the United Kingdom.” Consequently, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar banned Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering Israel.
Mr. Polanski himself did not vote on the motion, having left the conference early for campaigning. He previously stated that Zionism leading to Palestinian displacement is “clearly racist.” However, he sought amendments, including a change to the “single Palestinian state” reference. He also wanted to protect Jewish members attending Zionist synagogues. Green members rejected both of his proposed changes.
Following the vote, Lubna Speitan, who introduced the Green Party Zionism motion, defended its purpose. She argued that backers aimed to oppose “racist systems of oppression.” A party spokeswoman also confirmed protection for Jewish members, ensuring no persecution for synagogue attendance. However, Vivien Lichtenstein, Chair of Jewish Greens, is now considering her future within the party.
Most Green MPs publicly opposed the move. Ellie Chowns, Adrian Ramsay, Carla Denyer, and Sian Berry voiced their disapproval. Former leader Caroline Lucas also urged members not to support the the “over-simplification.” She expressed concern that the motion was making Jewish members feel “scared and unwelcome.”
Other political parties have also criticised the Greens. The Conservatives labelled the party “toxic to its core.” Labour chair Bridget Phillipson stated the vote “crosses a line.” She also called it “shameful” to vote against a two-state solution. Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor highlighted the motion’s divisive nature, saying it “pours fuel on the fire of tensions.”
