'Zionism is racism' vote sparks walkouts, condemnations from within Green Party
While the motion passed 1,022 to 813, this represents only a tiny proportion of the Green Party's overall membership. With 230,000 members, the vote represented less than 1% of the party.
The UK Green Party sparked controversy and internal dissent after adopting a "Zionism is racism" policy, a decision that has led to resignations, condemnations, and distancing from the European Greens. The motion, passed with 1,022 votes to 813, makes the UK Green Party the first major European party to openly declare itself anti-Zionist.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by banning Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering Israel, describing the motion as an "antisemitic text" beyond the boundaries of legitimate political debate. The policy has garnered condemnation from various quarters, including Labour MPs, Jewish groups, and officials, who have reported the party to police and the Equality and Human Rights Commission over potential racial or religious hatred.
The decision has also prompted some prominent members to leave the party, including Amnesty International UK chair Sandy Ruthven and Julian Mellor. The European Greens have distanced themselves from the UK branch, expressing deep concern and demanding clarity from the leadership regarding their official policy towards self-determination, Jewish people, and the protection of Jewish individuals.
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