Labour is poised to dismantle local power-sharing agreements with the Green Party due to a contentious motion passed at the Greens' conference, which declared "Zionism is racism." This decision follows a review initiated by Labour, which urged its local council groups in coalition or power-sharing arrangements with the Greens to seek assurances that their partners condemned the motion and would pressure their national leadership to reconsider it.
The ultimatum affects 17 councils in England and one in Wales. Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) has reportedly assessed each response, with the party set to reveal the status of all local arrangements. Up to eight Labour-Green deals are anticipated to collapse, with the Green councillors on Lewes District Council already confirming the dissolution of their power-sharing agreement with Labour.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has stated that national-level coalitions with the Greens are off the table as long as the "Zionism is racism" policy remains. The Prime Minister has also unequivocally condemned the motion and ruled out a partnership with the Greens while the policy is in effect.
Green leader Zack Polanski has indicated he will not seek to overturn the motion, passed by party members, but aims to amend it at the earliest opportunity. Polanski's poll ratings have reportedly fallen to their lowest point as Green leader amid the controversy.
The motion has drawn significant criticism, with opponents labeling it an "attack" on the Jewish community and branding the Greens an "extremist party." Critics also argue the motion implies the eradication of Israel by referencing only a single Palestinian state. Polanski faced accusations of a "lack of leadership" for skipping the conference vote on the motion to campaign for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, which he subsequently lost to Labour.
Former Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay expressed deep discomfort with the motion, suggesting the party is at a "crossroads" and risks adopting a divisive, internally focused political approach. He called for the party to concentrate on its core values.