Full Breakdown
UK Greens’ “Zionism Is Racism” Motion Sparks Diplomatic Fallout and Internal Rift
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
At the Green Party of England and Wales conference in Brighton, members adopted a policy motion defining Zionism as a form of racism and calling for a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine. The binding motion passed 1,022 votes to 813. Party leader Zack Polanski – who is Jewish – did not vote, having left early to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
Background & Context
Drafted by Greens for Palestine, the motion reflects the party’s rapid membership growth since Polanski’s election in September 2025, with membership nearly tripled in the past year. It also reaffirms support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign and a total arms embargo on Israel.
Data & Statistics
- Vote tally: 1,022 for, 813 against.
- Five Green MPs in Parliament; four opposed the motion.
- Membership turnout: less than 1 % of total members participated.
- Amendment III, which would have protected Jewish members from disciplinary action for Zionist affiliation, was defeated 1,026 against to 684 for.
Official Statements & Responses
- A Green Party spokesperson said: “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership.”
- Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson condemned the motion as “fundamentally wrong” and warned it could alienate British Jews.
Criticism & Opposition
- “Zionism is the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, and it forms the basis for the Jewish people's right to a state and a national home in the Land of Israel,” — Isaac Herzog, Israeli president
- Felix Banaszak, co-leader of the German Greens, called the policy “intolerable and unacceptable,” noting it runs contrary to the European Greens’ support for a two-state solution.
- “British Jews should not have to disclaim a belief in Jewish self-determination and the existence of Israel to be accepted by a British political party,” — Chris Philp, shadow home secretary
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Legal experts note the motion may breach the Equality Act 2010, which protects political beliefs, but the party’s lawyers have not confirmed whether a formal challenge will be filed. The practical impact on party discipline and candidate selection remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership.” — Green Party spokesperson
- “There is a widely held view within the European Green party that Israel has a right to exist and that this right must not be undermined.” — Felix Banaszak
- “As a party we pride ourselves on our democratic member-led policymaking process, but I do think we need to ask ourselves some searching questions when less than 1% of our members actually participate,” — Ellie Chowns
- “The Green Party voted to define Zionism as racism and formally establish itself as an anti-Zionist party,” — Shannon Seban, European Affairs
What’s Next
Israel’s foreign ministry has indicated that the ban on Polanski will remain in effect pending any reversal of the motion. The Green Party faces potential legal scrutiny under UK equality legislation, and several senior MPs may seek clarification from the leadership. The upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election will test whether the controversy affects the Greens’ electoral prospects.