UK Green Party Faces Membership Drop Amid Anti-Zionist Resolution Controversy

The Green Party of England and Wales is reportedly experiencing a significant decline in membership, with approximately 18,000 members lost since May, reducing its ranks from 230,000 to around 212,000. While this drop coincides with a major controversy surrounding a resolution on Israel, it is not solely attributed to it. At their October 4th congress in Brighton, party members narrowly passed a resolution labeling Zionism as a form of racism by a vote of 1,022 to 813. The resolution also advocates for a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine, with equal rights for all, replacing the State of Israel. This resolution has caused internal dissent, with four out of five Green Members of Parliament opposing it, citing concerns for Jewish members. Several local officials have also resigned, including Drew Creek, a Green Party official in Cornwall, who felt the resolution crossed a line. Zack Polanski, a Jewish MP, abstained from the vote and has since reiterated his commitment to fighting antisemitism while supporting Palestinian rights. The party's stance has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which accused the party of denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination. European Green officials have also voiced their opposition. Polanski noted the challenge of maintaining party unity amidst divisions that could jeopardize national ambitions.