The Green Party has introduced new internal guidelines aimed at promoting inclusivity at its meetings, advising members to avoid holding events in pubs and encouraging attendees to share their preferred pronouns at the outset. The guidance, circulated among party activists, suggests that pubs may feel exclusionary for individuals who do not consume alcohol, and therefore should not be used as venues for party gatherings.

Under the new recommendations, meetings should also avoid late start times when possible to accommodate individuals with caring responsibilities, health considerations, or long journeys home. Organisers are encouraged to manage discussions carefully to prevent domination by a few voices and to actively invite quieter participants to contribute. Additionally, meetings are advised to include regular breaks to ensure accessibility and comfort for attendees.

The introduction of these guidelines has sparked criticism from political figures. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake described the approach as disconnected from mainstream Britain, arguing that pubs are integral to community life and that such restrictions risk undermining this tradition. He referenced previous comments by a Labour MP that suggested warm ale and black Labradors were associated with far-right Britain, framing the Green Party’s position as further evidence of a move away from everyday cultural experiences.

The guidance comes amid wider controversy surrounding Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Polanski recently defended the party’s refusal to rescind a controversial 2019 motion declaring “Zionism is racism.” Speaking to the BBC, Polanski said he did not intend to overturn the motion immediately but expressed his desire to amend it in the future. He indicated plans to shift the party’s stance toward supporting a resolution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to determine their own futures, moving away from a one-state framework.

Polanski also declined to affirm that Israel has a right to exist, asserting that no country holds an inherent right to exist but rather that people have a right to exist. He noted that he could not unilaterally change party policy before the next scheduled review in 2028 and dismissed comparisons to "out-of-control autocrats" in other political parties.

The combination of the new inclusivity guidelines and ongoing debates over party policy highlights tensions within the Green Party as it navigates sensitive social and political issues while attempting to broaden its appeal.