Full Breakdown
Green Party Faces Controversy Over Proposed Motion Supporting Palestinian Resistance
2/23/2026, 10:52:26 AM
Proposed Motion and Its Implications
The Green Party is set to vote on a controversial motion that would officially support Palestinian resistance against Israel, including endorsing armed struggle under international law. The proposal, titled "Zionism is Racism," has garnered significant grassroots support, with advocates claiming it reflects a record-breaking campaign within the party. If approved, the motion would classify support for Zionism as a form of racism, potentially labeling many British Jews, who predominantly identify as Zionist, as inherently racist. This has raised concerns about the implications for Jewish members within the party and the broader Jewish community in the UK.
Background and Context
The motion is spearheaded by British Palestinian artist Lubna Speitan, who has previously expressed support for armed resistance against Israel. Speitan's advocacy has been bolstered by a social media campaign encouraging individuals to join the Green Party specifically to vote for the motion. The proposal calls for the party to adopt an anti-Zionist stance and to support the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state encompassing all of historic Palestine, effectively negating the existence of Israel.
Criticism and Opposition
The motion has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, stated that the motion openly supports terrorism and racism against Jews, asserting that it represents a significant departure from the Green Party's historical values. The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the proposal, warning that it could create a hostile environment for Jewish members and have broader implications for British Jews. Israeli officials have also denounced the motion, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel labeling it as one of the most hateful documents she has encountered, claiming it seeks to justify terrorism and the destruction of Israel.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for the Green Party clarified that the motion is currently a proposal and not official policy, emphasizing that it must pass a prioritization ballot before being voted on at the upcoming spring conference. Despite this, the party's deputy leader, Mothin Ali, has been linked to supportive comments regarding Hamas and the Palestinian cause, further complicating the party's stance on the issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are conflicting views on the potential impact of the motion on the Green Party's electoral prospects. While some believe it could alienate voters, others argue it may attract new support from those sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of Jewish members within the party if the motion is passed, with reports of at least one member having reported the party to counter-terror police over the proposal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel told the Daily Mail: 'This Green Party motion is one of the hateful and racist documents I've ever read.” — Sharren Haskel, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister
- “A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism added: 'The Green Party seems poised to recycle history's worst hatreds.” — Campaign Against Antisemitism Spokesperson
As the Green Party prepares for the vote, the outcome of this motion could significantly alter its identity and relationship with both its members and the broader public.
