Labour has given Green groups seven days to reject a newly adopted policy describing Zionism as racism, or it will end local power-sharing deals. The row affects 19 councils and has drawn sharp criticism from Green leaders and Jewish groups.
01Summary
- 01Labour says it will end agreements with Green councillors unless they disown the party's new policy on Zionism within seven days.
- 02The ultimatum covers 19 councils where Labour shares power with the Greens, including Sheffield, Lewes and Warwick.
- 03The Green policy, passed at its England and Wales conference, says Zionism supports an 'ethnonationalist Jewish state' and backs a single Palestinian state in historic Palestine.
- 04Green leader Zack Polanski said he wants the motion amended in future, but also said the displacement and genocide of Palestinians is underpinned by racist ideology.
- 05Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said local arrangements will end if Green groups cannot provide a 'clear and unambiguous' rejection of the policy.
02Why it matters
The dispute could alter who runs councils in several areas and affect local decisions and budgets. It also adds to the wider political row over antisemitism, Israel and Palestine within British politics.
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