First Minister John Swinney criticizes English and Welsh Greens for defining Zionism as racism

First Minister John Swinney expressed disagreement with the Green Party of England and Wales’ decision to classify Zionism as racism, stating it was not the party’s place to make such a determination. At the Green Party conference, members approved a motion declaring the party “anti-Zionist” and asserting that Zionism, the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel, should be treated as any other form of racism. Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, who is Jewish, did not participate in the vote.

Four of the party’s five MPs, including former leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer, Ellie Chowns, and Sian Berry, had previously opposed the motion. After its passage, Polanski and the four MPs issued a joint statement affirming that supporting the rights of Palestinians and Jewish people are not mutually exclusive. The motion has sparked criticism from other UK political parties, with Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson calling it “fundamentally wrong” and the Conservatives labeling the vote as “toxic to its core.”

Swinney emphasized that established legal definitions of racism should guide such discussions, rather than party political decisions. He stated, “There’s a very well-established set of definitions in law of what constitutes racism, so I don’t think it’s for party political conferences to decide what and what is not racism.” The First Minister also highlighted the importance of community cohesion, particularly for the Jewish community in Scotland.

Leaders of Jewish community organizations, including the Board of Deputies, Community Security Trust, and Jewish Leadership Council, have warned that defining Zionism as racism could endanger the safety and welfare of British Jews. They argue the policy is “an overtly antisemitic” stance. Swinney acknowledged the concerns, stating, “It’s important that I act in a fashion that supports and reassures communities across the board. That includes the Jewish community in Scotland.”

The debate over Zionism and its classification reflects broader tensions in political discourse, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech, the definition of racism, and the responsibilities of political parties in addressing complex social issues. As the discussion continues, the emphasis remains on fostering dialogue that upholds justice, peace, and the dignity of all people, as reflected in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting with mercy, justice, and humility.

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