UK Green Party Loses 20,000 Members Amid Anti-Zionist Resolution Controversy
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
The UK Green Party has lost approximately 20,000 members since May, with its membership falling to about 212,000. This follows a controversial resolution passed on October 4 that declared Zionism a form of racism and called for a single democratic state in historic Palestine. The resolution has caused internal division, with several MPs opposing it and some local officials resigning. Israel has condemned the move, calling it a denial of Jewish self-determination.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The UK Green Party lost about 20,000 members, reducing its total to 212,000.
- A party resolution on October 4 labeled Zionism a form of racism.
- The resolution called for a single democratic Palestinian state replacing Israel.
- Four of five Green Party MPs opposed the resolution, citing concerns for Jewish members.
- Several local officials resigned, including Drew Keryk from Cornwall.
- Israel condemned the resolution, accusing the party of denying Jewish self-determination.
The UK Green Party is experiencing internal turmoil and a significant drop in membership, with approximately 20,000 members leaving since May. The party in England and Wales saw its membership decrease from 230,000 to around 212,000. This decline coincides with a contentious debate surrounding Israel, though it is not solely attributed to this issue.
At the party's conference in Brighton on October 4, delegates passed a resolution by a vote of 1022 to 813, labeling Zionism as a form of racism. The resolution also called for the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state across all of historic Palestine, replacing Israel and ensuring equal rights for all.
The resolution has sparked internal dissent, with four out of the party's five Members of Parliament opposing it. They expressed particular concern over the potential impact on Jewish members. Several local elected officials have also resigned, including Drew Keryk, a Green Party official in Cornwall, who felt the resolution crossed an unacceptable line. Zac Polanski, who is Jewish, abstained from the vote and subsequently affirmed his commitment to combating antisemitism while supporting Palestinian rights.
Israel has strongly condemned the resolution, accusing the party of denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination. Officials from other European Green parties have also voiced their opposition to the decision.
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Coverage from i24NEWS Arabic
