Burnham Rules Out Coalition With Green Party Over 'Antisemitic' Israel Motion
Labour's Andy Burnham vehemently condemned the Green Party's recent motion equating Zionism with racism, stating his party would not partner with a group holding such views.
Andy Burnham has declared that the Labour Party will not form a coalition with the Green Party due to a motion passed at their recent Brighton conference that equated Zionism with racism. Burnham issued a strong condemnation of the motion, calling it "wrong" and "antisemitic."
The controversial motion, passed earlier this month, called for Israel to be treated comparably to apartheid South Africa and was described by critics as an attempt to undermine the existence of Israel. Burnham stated unequivocally during Prime Minister's Questions that his party "will have nothing to do with it" and "cannot support a partnership with a party that holds [that] position."
The motion has reportedly caused significant internal division within the Green Party, with former leaders Caroline Lucas, Adrian Ramsay, and Carla Denyer publicly opposing it, warning that it could alienate Jewish members. Green Party deputy Zack Polanski was not present for the vote as he was campaigning in a by-election.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, had previously urged Burnham to rule out working with the Greens following the motion's passage. Farage wrote in The Jewish Chronicle that equating the existence of Israel with racism is a descent into prejudice and that "sectarian politics" should not be tolerated by Labour.
Adding to the controversy, it has emerged that the Green Party may not be able to amend the controversial policy for nearly two years. According to rules, a motion significantly amending a policy passed less than 21 months prior may be rejected. This could prevent any change until the Autumn conference in 2028, although party sources indicated that the timeline for alteration is subject to variables.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), alongside several Labour MPs, has reported the Green Party to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The CAA alleges the party has discriminated against Jewish members and associates, asserting that the "Zionism is racism" motion is unlawful and discriminatory against Jews. Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of the CAA, stated that the organization will ensure the party faces consequences for its actions and is gathering information from current and former members affected by the decision.