Full Breakdown
Burnham Rejects Labour-Green Deal After Party Declares Zionism Racist
By Drooid · · How we work
The Decision at Prime Minister’s Questions
At a Prime Minister’s Questions session, Labour leader Andy Burnham was asked by Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin whether he could “be clear” about any future cooperation with the Green Party. He added that Labour would take the “right response” to any partnership and could not support a party that holds the newly adopted position.
Motion at the Green Party Conference
On 4 October, Green Party members at their Brighton conference voted 1,022 to 813 to adopt a motion that defines Zionism as a form of racism and calls for a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine. The motion also endorsed Palestinian liberation, the right of return, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and a full arms embargo against Israel. Four of the party’s five MPs publicly opposed the motion, as did former leader Caroline Lucas. Party leader Zack Polanski left the conference early to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election and did not vote on the motion.
Reactions from Parties and Advocacy Groups
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) reported the Green Party to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, alleging discrimination against Jewish members under sections 101(2)(d) and 101(3)(d) of the Equality Act 2010. CAA chief executive Gideon Falter said the motion is “racist and unlawful” and warned that the party could face legal consequences. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, also urged Burnham to rule out any cooperation, describing the motion as “sectarian politics.”
Internal Green Party Turmoil
The motion has sparked a split within the Greens. Deputy leader Mothin Ali supported the motion, while former leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer joined Lucas in condemning it as divisive. Party officials note that the Standing Orders Committee may block any amendment to the policy for up to two years, meaning the motion could remain in force until at least the autumn conference in 2028. Polanski has called for rule reforms to give the leader greater control over policy, arguing that the party’s democratic mechanisms must evolve to restore unity.