Joint Tory-Labour motion that 'Zionism is not racism' goes to vote at Westminster council

Conservative and Labour councillors in Westminster are set to vote on a joint motion declaring that "Zionism is not racism". This motion is in response to the Green Party's previous motion to label Zionism as a form of racism. The proposed motion defines Zionism as the belief that Jewish people have the right to national self-determination in their historic homeland.

For many British Jews, this belief forms part of their identity, although opinions on Zionism and the State of Israel vary. The motion also references the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, citing an example given by the definition as an instance of antisemitism. The Conservative Party holds a majority on Westminster City Council.

However, the council has received a legal notice warning that passing the motion could breach the Equality Act of 2010, potentially excluding Palestinian and other protected groups from its policies.