Full Breakdown
Green Party adopts motion labeling Zionism as racism, sparking domestic and international backlash
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Motion passed at Brighton conference
On October 4, members of the Green Party of England and Wales voted 1,022 to 813 to define Zionism as “any other form of racism” and call for a single democratic Palestinian state throughout historic Palestine. The motion, introduced by Greens for Palestine, was debated by party members only. Party leader Zack Polanski did not vote, having left the conference to campaign in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election. Four of the party’s five MPs—Ellie Chowns, Sian Berry, Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer—publicly opposed it.
Background & Context
The motion came as Green Party membership expanded after Polanski’s election as leader in September 2025. Critics say the party’s member-led constitution now lets a small, active minority shape national policy. The motion reiterates calls for an arms embargo on Israel, support for Palestinian self-determination and endorsement of the BDS campaign.
Data & Statistics
- Vote tally: 1,022 for, 813 against.
- MP opposition: 4 of 5 Green MPs voted against.
- Membership participation: Less than 1 % of the party’s total membership voted in the conference poll.
- Electoral context: The Greens received 6 % of the national vote in the 2024 UK general election.
Official Statements & Responses
The party stressed the motion targets ideology, not religious or ethnic identity. The ministry announced that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was barring Polanski from entering Israel. British Jewish organisations—including the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Movement for Progressive Judaism—condemned the motion as antisemitic and warned it could endanger Jewish members of the party.
Criticism & Opposition
Jewish groups argued the motion conflates criticism of Israeli policy with hostility toward Jews, potentially breaching the Equality Act 2010. Within the Greens, senior figures warned the motion could alienate long-standing members and undermine the party’s broader anti-racism agenda. German Green leader Felix Banaszak called the UK motion “intolerable and unacceptable.” Labour officials and several MPs, including Paul Ovenden, warned that the stance should preclude any coalition partnership, citing a breach of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Legal experts disagree on the likelihood of a successful Equality Act challenge. No formal legal filing has been reported, and the Greens say members are “consulting lawyers” about potential challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “Labour should not countenance forming a coalition with the Green Party as long as this remains their policy.” — Paul Ovenden
What's Next
Party insiders say members are reviewing the motion’s wording and exploring amendments to protect Jewish members. Legal counsel is being sought to assess Equality Act risk, and the European Green Party has pledged to engage with the UK Greens’ leadership for clarification.