Green Party split over motion labeling Zionism as racism at Brighton conference

During the opening of the Green Party's conference in Brighton, a draft motion seeking to treat Zionism as a form of racism was met with sharp criticism from former party figures. Caroline Lucas, the party's first MP, described the proposal as divisive and warned it could be perceived as a signal that Jewish people are not welcome within the Greens. Adrian Ramsay, a former co-leader, echoed this view, saying the motion is unnecessary and could harm the party's commitment to equal statehood rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The motion defines Zionism as support for an ethnonationalist Jewish state and calls for a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. Current leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish and has declared himself anti-Zionist, is likely to back the motion while adding amendments to safeguard Jewish members. The debate is set to continue on Sunday, reflecting deep tensions over the party's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.