PM calls on Greens to reverse Zionism motion as row escalates

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 02:00 · Archive

Prime minister Andy Burnham has called on the Green Party to reverse its conference vote declaring Zionism is racism. Mr Burnham said the motion, which was passed by Green Party members at the party's annual conference in Brighton on Sunday, showed 'terrible judgement' and 'shouldn't be supported in any way, shape or form'. He called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski to ensure 'it will be reversed and it won't be Green Party policy'.

The motion defined Zionism as an ideology supporting 'an ethnonationalist Jewish state' and also backed a 'single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine', which includes modern-day Israel. Polanski did not attend the debate on the motion and left the conference early to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where he is standing as a candidate.

The row has split the party. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, who voted against the motion, told the BBC it was 'dangerous' and 'divisive'. She said Polanski 'should have been there and he should have voted' against it and described the motion as 'flawed from top to bottom'. Polanski has since said he will not accept anyone being excluded from the party 'because of the religious or communal body they are part of', but has declined further media interviews since the motion was passed.

PM calls on Greens to reverse Zionism motion as row escalates — Image: The Independent

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How it is being reported

Burnham calls on Polanski to reverse Green Party’s ‘completely wrong’ motion on ZionismPrime minister says controversial declaration ‘shouldn't be supported in any way, shape or form’The Independent · 9 Oct, 01:42
Burnham calls on Polanski to reverse Green Party's Zionism motionThe prime minister has intervened in the row over the motion passed by members at Green Party conference.BBC News · 8 Oct, 22:00

In this story: Andy Burnham · Zack Polanski · Caroline Lucas · Green Party · Brighton · Holborn and St Pancras

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