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Labour blocks coalition over Greens’ Zionism motion

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 08:02 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Labour MPs Al Carns, Jess Phillips and Preet Gill demand the Birmingham Green Party withdraw its Zionism-as-racism motion.
They wrote to Liberal Democrat council leader Roger Harmer urging a public disavowal of the 4 October policy.
Liberal Democrat leaders said they will stay in coalition if the Greens keep the anti-antisemitism pledge.
Labour leader Andy Burnham warned Labour cannot partner with the Greens while the motion remains, calling it antisemitic.

Summary

The Green Party became the first mainstream European party to adopt an anti-Zionist platform.
Motion proposer Ashley Hirst praised the resolution, saying British Jews have said clearly the Greens are racist.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski missed the vote while campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
Polanski told the BBC he will not overturn the motion, which remains policy until 2028.

History

In 1975 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 3379, with 72 votes for, 35 against and 32 abstentions, declaring Zionism a form of racism. The resolution was repealed by Resolution 46/86 on 16 December 1991 (111-25-13 vote) after US pressure. The Green Party of England and Wales revived the language in a 2026 motion, echoing the 1975 declaration and sparking fresh criticism.

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Historical Context

In 1975 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 3379, with 72 votes for, 35 against and 32 abstentions, declaring Zionism a form of racism. The resolution was repealed by Resolution 46/86 on 16 December 1991 (111-25-13 vote) after US pressure. The Green Party of England and Wales revived the language in a 2026 motion, echoing the 1975 declaration and sparking fresh criticism.

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