Green Party faces backlash after passing 'Zionism is racism' motion

The Green Party of England and Wales has faced significant political backlash following a conference vote in Brighton to adopt a policy declaring Zionism as a form of racism. The motion, which passed with 1,022 votes to 813, defines the party as “anti-Zionist” and advocates for a single democratic state in historic Palestine.

In response, senior Labour Party figures have indicated they are unlikely to cooperate with the Greens in the future. Labour Party Chair Bridget Phillipson described the decision as “fundamentally wrong,” noting that while the party criticizes Israeli government policies, the Green Party's vote “crosses a line.”

The policy has caused internal division within the Green Party. Vivien Lichtenstein, head of the Jewish Greens, is considering leaving the party, stating the policy “potentially puts Jewish and other members at risk.” Additionally, members voted down an amendment intended to protect Jewish members from being disciplined based on their affiliation with Zionist-identifying community centers.

The European Green Party has also distanced itself from the motion, demanding clarification on the protection of Jewish members and emphasizing its support for a two-state solution. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting within the Liberal Democrats to end existing coalition arrangements with the Greens in certain regions.