Green Party faces internal split over motion labeling Zionism as racism

A controversial motion to treat Zionism as a form of racism and to endorse the creation of a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine is set for a vote at the Green Party’s Brighton conference. The proposal also calls for broad boycotts, divestment and sanctions akin to those imposed on apartheid South Africa. Deputy co-leader Mothin Ali became the highest-ranking official to publicly support the motion, tying Zionism to what he described as genocide in Gaza.

Leader Zack Polanski says the party is united on Gaza but will abstain from the vote, while former co-leaders Caroline Lucas and Adrian Ramsay warned the measure could be divisive and signal that Jewish people are unwelcome. Co-leader Carla Denyer also opposed the motion, citing the risk of setting the party back on Palestinian advocacy. Green peer Jenny Jones, who will chair the session, expects a lengthy and argumentative debate as grassroots members push more radical positions.