Green Party Motion Defining Zionism as Racism Passed in Brighton, UK, Draws Israeli Condemnation and Party Revisions

The Green Party of England and Wales passed a motion at its annual conference in Brighton that defines Zionism as a form of racism. The motion describes Zionism as an ideology supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state and calls for a single democratic state in all of historic Palestine. Reports differ on the date. One report says party leader Zack Polanski addressed the conference on 2 October 2026, while two others say the conference and resolution took place on 3 October 2026.

Polanski defended the decision in his conference address. According to Middle East Eye, he said it was not shameful for the party to adopt a motion equating Zionism with racism. He said it was shameful that no mainstream British political party had previously recognized the realities of Israel’s actions. That report also states that Britain has been complicit in Israel’s actions in Gaza for three years.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded sharply. Al-Araby reports that the ministry accused the Green Party of becoming a body supportive of terrorism. The ministry alleged that the party had adopted the “green” of Hamas, a reference to the group’s call for Israel’s elimination through armed struggle. These are the ministry’s allegations, and the report presents them as its position rather than as established findings about the party.

Criticism also came from within Britain. In a letter published by The Guardian, Simon Lawson, a non-religious Jewish Londoner, wrote that he was deeply disappointed with the decision. He argued that the motion risks alienating British Jews and others who advocate for peace and reconciliation. Peacemaking is the work of honest speech and patient reconciliation (Matthew 5:9).

Polanski said he would not allow anyone to be excluded from the party on the basis of their religious or communal background, according to the BBC. The BBC also reports that Polanski did not take part in the vote and has expressed concerns about the motion’s implications.

Politics Home reports that Polanski told the BBC he would not try to overturn the motion. Instead, he aims to amend it at the first available opportunity. The report says the party is exploring ways to revisit the motion ahead of its spring conference.