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Green Party rejects conference postponement amid Zionism motion

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Polanski Denies Postponement

England and Wales Green Party leader Zack Polanski failed to postpone the annual conference.
The executive committee voted against postponement on Thursday.
Polanski is contesting the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on 8 October, targeting Keir Starmer’s former seat.
A motion to label Zionism as racism and demand a single Palestinian state leads the conference agenda.
Party insiders warn the motion could alienate UK Jewish supporters and trigger internal splits.

Summary

Khan Answers Urdu

Mayor Sadiq Khan answered Polanski’s data-centre question in Urdu at a City Hall meeting.
Polanski’s Urdu campaign video attracted criticism from MPs across parties for using a South-Asian language.
Tory local-government spokesperson Katie Lam called the tactic “poisonous” and demanded a ban.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the footage made him uncomfortable and urged voter comprehension.

History

Historical Context

On 10 November 1975 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 3379, calling Zionism a form of racism with 72 votes for, prompting protests and an Israeli-British backlash. The measure was repealed on 16 December 1991 by Resolution 46/86, a prerequisite for Israel’s participation in the Madrid talks. That history shapes UK debate, as Green Party leader Zack Polanski’s 2024 motion and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s response reflect caution about alienating Jewish voters.

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Polanski Denies Postponement

England and Wales Green Party leader Zack Polanski failed to postpone the annual conference.
The executive committee voted against postponement on Thursday.
Polanski is contesting the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on 8 October, targeting Keir Starmer’s former seat.
A motion to label Zionism as racism and demand a single Palestinian state leads the conference agenda.
Party insiders warn the motion could alienate UK Jewish supporters and trigger internal splits.

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