UK Green Party members vote to define Zionism as racism

Members of the Green Party of England and Wales have approved a binding policy defining Zionism as a form of racism, prompting criticism from Jewish groups, Israel and senior figures within the party.

The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813 at the party’s conference in Brighton. It reaffirmed support for Palestinian liberation, Palestinians’ right of return and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. It also backed the establishment of a single democratic state across historic Palestine with equal rights for all, rather than a two-state solution.

The policy described Zionism’s “real, material manifestation” as the dehumanisation, displacement, dispossession and disenfranchisement of Palestinians. Supporters included co-deputy leader Mothin Ali. However, four of the party’s five MPs opposed parts of the resolution. Co-deputy leader Rachel Millward said Zionism means different things to different people and argued that the policy would not help the party’s objectives.

Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish and was campaigning elsewhere during the vote, said displacement of Palestinians was clearly racist but rejected having outside parties determine whether Israelis and Palestinians should live in one state or two.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called the motion “poisonous antisemitism,” while some Jewish Green members said they were reconsidering their place in the party. The European Green Party also distanced itself from the decision and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution. Israel condemned the policy and barred Polanski from entering the country.