Green Party adopts motion defining Zionism as racism, calls for Palestinian state

Green Party members have passed a motion at their conference in Brighton that defines Zionism as a form of racism, sparking significant debate within the party. The motion, which received 1022 votes in favor and 813 against, was proposed by a group of members and endorsed by activists. It frames Zionism as an ideology supporting an “ethnonationalist Jewish state” and calls for a “single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine.” The motion also highlights the “real, material, manifestation of Zionism” as the “historic and ongoing dehumanisation, displacement, dispossession, disenfranchisement and destruction of Palestinians.”

The vote has exposed divisions within the party, particularly between its newly enlarged membership under leader Zack Polanski and its MPs elected in the previous election. Joint deputy leaders Mothin Ali and Rachel Millward have expressed differing views, with Ali supporting the motion and Millward calling the wording “problematic.” The debate has dominated the conference, reflecting broader tensions within the party over its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The motion has drawn criticism from Jewish groups, including the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council. In a letter to the party, these organizations argued that Zionism is an anti-racist movement, noting that it was formed in part as a response to antisemitism. They also expressed concerns about the safety of Jewish members within the Green Party and the potential implications for Jewish institutions in areas where the Greens have influence.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the motion, stating it “goes beyond the boundaries of legitimate political debate” and is “a stain on the history of the United Kingdom.” The debate over the motion has coincided with discussions about the conflict in Gaza, which has intensified in recent months. The conference, held after a surge in the party’s membership following Polanski’s election as leader in September 2025, has become a focal point for internal and external scrutiny.

Lubna Speitan, the Green member who spearheaded the motion, defended the decision as a commitment to opposing “racist systems of oppression.” She emphasized that the party stands united against all forms of racism and discrimination, with no exceptions. Polanski, however, did not participate in the debate, having left the conference early to campaign in Holborn and St Pancras, where he is running for the position of MP. The motion underscores the complex and often polarizing nature of the Israel-Palestine issue within political discourse.

The motion’s adoption reflects a growing emphasis on addressing systemic oppression and aligning with global movements against racism. While the Green Party’s stance is rooted in its commitment to justice and equality, it also highlights the challenges of navigating such sensitive and deeply divided issues. As the party moves forward, the implications of this motion will likely continue to shape its public image and internal dynamics.

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