Full Breakdown
Green Party’s “Zionism Is Racism” Motion Sparks Internal Rift Ahead of Key Byelection
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Motion to Label Zionism as Racism Set for Conference Vote
A motion titled “Zionism is racism” will be debated and voted on at the Green Party’s annual conference in Brighton. If adopted, the motion would treat Zionism as a form of racism, discipline members who support Zionist organisations, and call for a single democratic Palestinian state in historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. The vote comes just days before the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, in which party leader Zack Polanski is seeking to win the former seat of Keir Starmer.
Background & Context: Zionism, Antisemitism Debates, and Past UN Resolutions
Modern Zionism emerged in the late 1800s as a movement for Jewish self-determination. Critics have long described it as a colonial project, a view formalised when the United Nations adopted resolution 3379 in 1975, labeling Zionism as racism; the resolution was revoked in 1991. The ongoing war in Gaza has intensified arguments about the nature of Zionism.
Timeline
- February 2026 – Greens win a byelection in Gorton and Denton.
- Spring 2026 – Motion submitted but not debated.
- Early September 2026 – GfP urges supporters to join the Greens to push the motion.
- Early October 2026 – Conference in Brighton; motion to be voted on.
- 8 October 2026 – Motion debate scheduled.
- Soon after – Holborn and St Pancras byelection.
Data & Statistics
- Party membership exceeds 230,000, with roughly 200 volunteers campaigning in Holborn and St Pancras.
- Greens 4 Palestine’s motion topped a members’ ballot of policy issues for the conference.
Official Statements & Responses
- Zack Polanski called the motion “a distraction” and “unhelpful” to the party’s broader aim of Palestinian liberation, noting the need for amendments to protect Jewish members of “Zionist” synagogues.
- Caroline Lucas warned the motion is “divisive” and could be perceived as a sign that Jewish people are not welcome.
- Adrian Ramsay described the motion as “not helpful” and said he would vote against it.
- A Jewish Greens statement called the motion “problematic” and urged members to listen to their Jewish comrades.
- A Green Party spokesperson affirmed the party’s democratic nature and denied support for the AZM’s views.
Criticism & Opposition
Lucas and Ramsay publicly opposed the motion, citing concerns it would alienate Jewish members and fracture the party ahead of the byelection. The Jewish Greens group echoed these worries, arguing the motion targets Jewish identity rather than Israeli policy. Critics highlighted potential electoral fallout, warning the party’s recent surge could stall if the motion is adopted.
On-the-Ground Reports
Jewish members have reported fear of expulsion for attending “Zionist” congregations. At a recent workshop, an anti-Zionist Jew was shouted down with cries of “Zionist.” Lubna Speitan has encouraged supporters to join the Greens specifically to push the motion, while some activists describe the debate as “abstract” and worry it distracts from material support for Palestinians.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports link GfP to the Anti-Zionist Movement (AZM), which calls for dismantling “Zionist organisations” worldwide. The party’s official response denies support for AZM’s views, but the extent of coordination between GfP and AZM remains unclear. No definitive evidence has been provided about external extremist influence on the motion’s promotion.
What’s Next
The conference vote will determine whether the Green Party formally adopts the “Zionism is racism” policy. The outcome is expected to shape the party’s messaging in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras byelection and could influence internal cohesion ahead of future national elections.