Labour Party officials have issued an ultimatum to local branches involved in coalition agreements with the Green Party, warning they must end power-sharing arrangements if Green councillors do not formally repudiate a recent motion equating Zionism with racism. The demand follows the passage of the controversial motion by members of the Green Party, which has drawn sharp criticism from Labour leadership.

The dispute centers on a vote within the Green Party that labeled Zionism—a movement supporting the establishment and support of the state of Israel—as a form of racism. This characterization has sparked accusations of antisemitism from senior Labour figures, who are urging their local representatives to sever formal partnerships with Green colleagues if the party does not disavow the resolution promptly.

Andy Burnham, Labour’s Greater Manchester Mayor and a prominent party figure, condemned the motion and expressed intent to distance Labour from the policy. He stated that Labour would reject any association with the Greens as long as the stance remains unchallenged. Burnham emphasized the seriousness of the issue, framing the motion as an anti-Semitic position incompatible with Labour’s values.

The timeline presented to Labour councillors requires Green representatives to renounce the motion within one week, failing which the party’s local members will be instructed to withdraw from cooperative governance arrangements with Greens. These coalitions, which commonly occur on councils across the United Kingdom, often involve shared responsibility for local administration and policy implementation.

Labour’s position reflects broader concerns about rising antisemitism within political discourse, particularly when it intersects with debates over Israel and Palestine. While the Green Party did not issue an immediate response to Labour’s demand, the internal tensions underscore ongoing challenges in maintaining cross-party alliances amid contentious ideological divides.

The situation highlights a growing rift between Labour and the Green Party at the local government level, with potential implications for future cooperation. As councils navigate complex coalition dynamics, the conflict over the Zionism motion serves as a flashpoint over broader issues of political identity and interparty relations in the current political landscape.