The UK Green Party has adopted a controversial motion declaring Zionism as a form of racism, a decision that has sparked widespread debate and condemnation from various quarters. The policy, passed during the party’s conference in Brighton by 1,022 votes to 813, defines Zionism—the belief in the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their historic homeland—as racist and calls for it to be treated “as any other form of racism” by the party’s anti-racism working group.
The motion, proposed by members of the Greens for Palestine faction, also advocates for the liberation of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state encompassing all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. Efforts to amend the motion to protect Jewish members affiliated with Zionist institutions, such as synagogues or community centres, from potential disciplinary action were rejected.
The vote has caused significant internal divisions within the Green Party. Party leader Zack Polanski, who did not participate in the vote due to campaign commitments, and four of the party’s five Members of Parliament publicly distanced themselves from the resolution. Former party leader Caroline Lucas described the motion as “divisive” and warned that it could alienate Jewish members. MPs Adrian Ramsay, Ellie Chowns, and Carla Denyer also expressed sadness or opposition to the outcome, emphasizing concerns that the policy could make Jewish members feel “scared and unwelcome” within the party.
The adoption of the motion has attracted considerable criticism both domestically and internationally. Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the resolution, calling it a “stain” on British history and asserting it legitimizes armed struggle against Israel. The ministry described the policy as clear antisemitism as per the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, on the grounds that it denies Jewish self-determination. Following the vote, Israel announced a ban on Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country.
Critics argue the motion, by denying the legitimacy of Israel as a Jewish state, crosses from legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies into antisemitism. Some former Green figures expressed dismay, with one former deputy leader calling the decision a “very sad day” and others accusing the party of embracing hostile political forces.
Supporters of the motion within the party argue that opposing Zionism targets a political ideology rather than Jewish identity or religion, emphasizing solidarity with Palestinians and framing Zionism as privileging one group over others. The motion’s supporters reject accusations of antisemitism, characterizing the policy as part of the party’s commitment to anti-racism and human rights.
The vote follows recent controversies involving antisemitic remarks among some local Green candidates, with party leaders attempting to balance internal pressures from both militant anti-Zionist factions and more moderate members. The motion’s passage marks a significant shift for the Green Party, which has traditionally focused on environmental and social justice issues but now finds itself at the centre of a polarizing debate over Israel and Palestine.
As the Green Party prepares for upcoming elections, the long-term impact of this policy on its membership, public support, and political alliances remains uncertain. Meanwhile, opposition parties and commentators have accused the Greens of institutionalizing prejudice, while supporters maintain the party’s stance as part of a broader struggle for Palestinian rights.