UK Green party adopts ‘Zionism is racism’ policy

The United Kingdom's Green Party has voted to label Zionism as racist during its annual conference, sparking controversy and criticism from various groups. The motion received overwhelming support, with 1,022 votes in favor compared to 813 against. The party, which currently has five MPs in the UK Parliament and has seen a rise in popularity, particularly among voters frustrated with the Labour government's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, approved the motion with a strong majority.

The Green Party defines Zionism as any other form of racism and supports the creation of a single democratic Palestinian State in all of historic Palestine. However, the decision has drawn backlash from Jewish community groups and even the Israeli government. British Jewish organizations have condemned the party's stance as antisemitic, while Israel's president called it a disgrace.

The decision has caused internal divisions within the party, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski skipping the vote despite voicing support for the Palestinians.