The Labour Party has withdrawn from power-sharing agreements with the Green Party in 11 local councils across the UK. This decision stems from the Green Party's national policy, which defines Zionism as a form of racism and advocates for a single democratic Palestinian State.
Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson stated that the "Zionism is Racism" policy crosses a line, making it impossible for Labour to work with any party that supports it at any level of government. Labour councillors will no longer be in coalition with the Greens in affected areas, including Sheffield, Warwick, and Lewes.
In October, Green Party members passed a motion titled "Zionism is racism," which characterized Zionism as an ideology supporting an "ethnonationalist Jewish State in historic Palestine." The motion also expressed support for a "single democratic Palestinian State," encompassing modern-day Israel.
This policy has reportedly caused significant division within the Green Party's senior ranks and has drawn condemnation from Jewish groups and opposition political parties. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously indicated in October that Labour would not partner with the Greens over the policy, which he described as "antisemitic."
Following the motion's adoption, Labour's head office issued an ultimatum to Labour-Green councils, demanding that local Green Party members disown the policy passed at their national conference. Labour indicated that local agreements were in place in 18 authorities, but 11 of those did not meet the criteria set by Labour.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has described the motion as "imperfect" but has defended its core argument, suggesting that Israel's actions toward Palestinians are "clearly underpinned by racist ideology."
The dissolution of these local coalitions could affect local governance, potentially delaying budget and policy decisions for hundreds of thousands of residents.