Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Green Party’s Anti-Zionism Motion Sparks Internal and Public Dispute
The article discusses a motion passed at the Green Party’s conference that called Zionism racism.
The writer says the motion caused disagreement inside and outside the party.
He argues that criticizing the Israeli government is different from rejecting the idea that Jewish people should have a safe homeland.
The article reports that four Green Party MPs spoke against the motion.
It also says Jewish organisations condemned it.
The writer believes the motion used a broad label instead of focusing specifically on policies and actions it opposed.
The article says the motion’s proposer, Lubna Speitan, had testified for Minh Quang Pham in a terrorism-related case.
It suggests the party’s position could matter in upcoming elections, but that is the author’s interpretation.
The article says the Green Party passed a conference motion titled “Zionism is Racism,” prompting controversy within the party and beyond.
The author argues the party’s political focus has shifted beyond climate and energy policies under leader Zack Polanski.
The article says four of the party’s five MPs condemned the motion, while Jewish organisations also criticised it.
The author distinguishes criticism of Israel’s government and actions from opposition to Zionism, which he describes as support for a Jewish homeland.
The article alleges that motion proposer Lubna Speitan had a connection to Minh Quang Pham, who was convicted over a planned Heathrow attack; the article says Speitan testified on his behalf.
- Who
- The UK Green Party, its leader Zack Polanski, motion proposer Lubna Speitan, and critics including four Green Party MPs and Jewish organisations.
- What
- A Green Party conference passed a motion titled “Zionism is Racism,” triggering controversy.
- When
- At the party’s annual conference; the article also refers to a by-election on October 8 and the 2029 general election as future events.
- Where
- The conference was held in Brighton; the article discusses UK politics and a Camden by-election.
- Why
- The motion’s supporters and purpose are not fully explained in the article; the author argues it may serve electoral aims and criticises it as too broad.
Motion supporters and critics of Israeli policy
Motion opponents and the author
Meaning and scope of the motion
Motion supporters and critics of Israeli policy
The article presents the motion as an expression of opposition to Israeli government policies, military action in Gaza, and settlement activity in the West Bank.
Motion opponents and the author
The author argues that equating Zionism with racism is too broad and fails to distinguish the idea of a Jewish homeland from racist policies or actions.
Political consequences
Motion supporters and critics of Israeli policy
The article suggests the motion may appeal to voters concerned about Palestinians and Israel.
Motion opponents and the author
The author criticises the motion as potentially aimed at winning votes and says the party’s MPs and Jewish organisations have condemned it.
- Motion
- “Zionism is Racism”
- Conference location
- Brighton
- Party leader
- Zack Polanski
- MPs opposing motion
- The article says four of the party’s five MPs denounced it.
- Motion proposer
- Lubna Speitan, described in the article as a British Palestinian artist and activist.
- Election reference
- The article refers to a Camden by-election on October 8; no year is specified.
- Author’s distinction
- The author distinguishes opposition to Israeli government policies from opposition to Zionism as support for a Jewish homeland.