Labour Issues Ultimatum to Green Groups Over 'Zionism is Racism' Motion
Power-sharing pacts in 18 councils face dissolution unless local Greens condemn controversial stance within seven days.
Sarah Connor
Labour has given local Green groups seven days to condemn a motion declaring Zionism is racism or end power-sharing pacts.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out a national partnership with the Greens following the motion's passage. The Labour Party leader stated, "It is wrong, it is antisemitic, and this side of the House will have nothing to do with it."
Bridget Phillipson, speaking on Labour's position, outlined the party's expectations. "Where local Labour parties currently have an arrangement with the Greens in local government, we expect their Green counterparts to make clear that they reject this position and to call on their national leadership to reconsider the policy."
Where they are unable to provide that assurance, Labour will bring any such local arrangement to an end.
She added, "Where they are unable to provide that assurance, Labour will bring any such local arrangement to an end."
Phillipson further emphasized the gravity of the situation. She asserted, "This isn't an issue of party politics; it's about doing what is right and upholding the values anyone holding public office should share."
She also stated, "The Labour Party fought hard to address antisemitism within our own party and ensure it had no place in our politics. We have a responsibility to uphold those same standards in our relationships with other parties."
Labour requires its local councillors to secure approval from its National Executive Committee before entering local tie-ups. They must stand down from power-sharing arrangements when their regional office asks.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed Labour's announcement.
The motion drew wide condemnation as antisemitic, a stance the Labour Party echoed. However, a Green Party spokesperson claimed it was disappointing and wrong for the Labour Government to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
An amendment stating the motion should not be used to pressure or discipline members based on affiliation with Jewish community institutions failed a vote. The Green Party operates with a decentralized structure; local Green councillors are reportedly unlikely to face disciplinary measures for condemning the motion.
The EHRC seeks information to assess the motion's practical implications and potential impact. The commission received complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010, including concerns about discrimination against Jewish people.
A Liberal Democrats spokesperson claimed the Greens’ policy is divisive, irresponsible, and deeply insensitive. It risks significantly increasing community tensions in the UK.
The policy reportedly conflates British Jews attending synagogues with the most extreme positions of the Israeli far right and will cause concern throughout the Jewish community in Britain.
A Green Party spokesperson claimed that trying to tell local parties what to do and who they can work with is undemocratic. They further stated, "Whilst Labour continue to try to meddle in our internal democracy, arm a genocide and lock up protesting pensioners, we will not take lectures from them."