UK Green Party Adopts Resolution Labeling Zionism as Racism

The UK Green Party has approved a controversial resolution at its annual conference in Brighton, defining Zionism as racism. The motion passed with 56% of the vote, despite opposition from several senior party figures. Submitted by a group called "Greens 4 Palestine," the resolution describes Zionism as a political ideology advocating for a "Jewish state based on ethnic nationalism with the exclusion and/or control of the non-Jewish population." This contrasts with the widely accepted interpretation of Zionism as the recognition of the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their historic homeland, Israel. The approved motion also calls for a single Palestinian state with "equal rights for all," including Jews, but does not mention a two-state solution. Previously, the party's official policy supported either a one-state or two-state solution based on democratic processes. The motion's passage is expected to make it party policy. It gained prominence after topping a member vote on conference priorities. Party leader Zac Polonsky did not vote on the resolution but had supported an amendment to qualify the call for a single Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and to include protections for Jewish members identifying as Zionist; both amendments were rejected. Deputy leaders were divided, with one stating opposition and another, Mothin Ali, indicating support. Dr. Ellie Chowns, leader of the party in the British Parliament, along with former leaders Sian Berry, Adrian Ramsay, and Carla Denyer, urged members to reject the motion. The Green Party stated that the debate reflects a "serious and deep" discussion among members and affirmed their right to set party policy. The party reiterated its opposition to racism, the occupation of Palestinian and Syrian territories, and arms sales to Israel, emphasizing its commitment to equality, justice, and human rights for all. The resolution was passed with a low turnout, as only 1,835 members voted out of over 200,000 party members.