Full Breakdown
Green Party Candidates Face Antisemitism Allegations in Newcastle Elections
4/20/2026, 1:59:32 AM
Accusations of Antisemitism
Three Green Party candidates—Dr. Philip Brookes, Chandni Chopra, and Mohammed Suleman—standing for Newcastle City Council in the upcoming local elections have been accused by the Labour Party of making "horrendous antisemitic" comments on social media. Labour sources have called for the Green Party to withdraw support for these candidates, labeling their views as "abhorrent." The Green Party has stated it is investigating the allegations and emphasized that it does not condone any statements that contradict its values.
Specific Allegations Against Candidates
The accusations stem from various social media posts. Dr. Philip Brookes, a candidate for the Manor Park ward, shared a post that depicted Israel as "a bunch of Polish, Russian, Hungarian terrorists killing Palestinian people for 76 years." He also posted an image of an Israeli flag being torn to reveal a Nazi swastika. Mohammed Suleman, running in Arthur's Hill, reposted a TikTok video alleging that Jewish prisoners of war were involved in war crimes during World War II. Chandni Chopra, a candidate in Heaton, shared a post related to a pro-Palestine demonstration shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
The Green Party has clarified that while it supports vocal criticism of Israel, it distinguishes such criticism from antisemitism. A spokesperson stated that some posts were deleted as they did not reflect the party's anti-racist stance.
Broader Context of Antisemitism in the Green Party
The controversy surrounding the Newcastle candidates is part of a larger pattern of antisemitism allegations against Green Party members. Recently, the party suspended Tony Greenstein, an anti-Israel activist, due to a documented history of antisemitism, including recent terrorism charges. Greenstein's suspension followed his controversial statements and actions, including support for Hamas, which is banned in the UK.
In addition to the Newcastle candidates, other Green Party members have faced scrutiny for antisemitic content. For instance, Saiqa Ali, a candidate in Lambeth, shared posts that included antisemitic conspiracy theories. The Labour Party has called for the Green Party to take decisive action against these candidates, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Official Responses and Investigations
The Green Party has publicly stated that it takes allegations of antisemitism seriously and is conducting investigations into the conduct of its candidates. In response to the accusations, the party reiterated its commitment to anti-racism and the importance of responsible discourse regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Labour leaders, including Richard Olszewski of Camden Council, have expressed outrage over the candidates' posts, urging the Green Party to act swiftly to disassociate from individuals who promote such views. The party's local branches have also echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that antisemitism has no place in their political platform.
Conclusion
As the local elections approach, the Green Party faces significant pressure to address the allegations of antisemitism among its candidates. The outcome of these investigations and the party's response will be closely watched, as they could have implications for the party's reputation and electoral prospects.
