Green Party adopts policy defining Zionism as racism

The Green Party of England and Wales has passed a controversial motion at its annual conference in Brighton defining Zionism as a form of racism and an ‘ethnonationalist political project’. The resolution, which passed with 1,022 votes in favor to 813 against, also advocates for a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The decision has caused significant internal division and external backlash. Westminster leader Ellie Chowns described the motion as a ‘significant and damaging policy’ and raised concerns that the party’s decision-making structures may be vulnerable to ‘entryism’ or capture by extremists, noting the policy was passed by only 0.4% of the total membership. Former leader Caroline Lucas also expressed concerns regarding party stability.

In response to the vote, the Israeli government has condemned the decision as antisemitic and announced that Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski is barred from entering the country. Jewish community organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, have also strongly criticized the move. The party leadership has stated they will work toward reform to ensure the organization is not vulnerable to extremist influence.