Full Breakdown
Board of Deputies Declares UK Green Party a Racist Organisation over “Zionism Is Racism” Motion
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Board of Deputies of British Jews voted 118-1 to declare the Green Party of England and Wales a racist party after the Greens adopted a policy labeling Zionism as racism at their Brighton conference earlier this month.
Background
The “Zionism is racism” motion was passed by Green Party members at the party conference and has drawn condemnation from Jewish groups, four Green MPs and two former party leaders. Labour has warned local Green groups that continued coalition ties will be withdrawn unless the motion is rejected.
Official Statements & Responses
Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg said the Greens had “adopted an antisemitic platform” and must now reverse the policy and confront the antisemitism it has legitimised. The Green Party’s spokesperson reiterated that the party does not discriminate against Zionist views and will continue to campaign against the Gaza conflict and call for stronger sanctions on the Israeli government. Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, did not vote on the motion because he left the conference to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. He told the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg* that he would like to amend the policy but will not overturn it, leaving the motion in place until 2028.
Criticism & Opposition
Labour’s national leadership issued an ultimatum to any local Labour-Green coalitions, demanding that the Greens either disown the motion or lose Labour’s support. The party’s stance has also been criticised by several Jewish community members who warned that the motion could normalise anti-Jewish prejudice.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By adopting an antisemitic platform, the Green Party of England and Wales has become a racist party. We will treat it accordingly.” — Phil Rosenberg, of deputies president
- “The Green Party’s policy brands much of our community, including our synagogues and communal organizations, with that slur. It gives prejudice against Jews a political license.” — Phil Rosenberg, of deputies president
