Green Party debates motion declaring Zionism a form of racism

The UK Green Party is preparing to vote on an unprecedented motion that defines Zionism as a form of racism during its annual conference. Lubna Speitan, a British-Palestinian member, authored the proposal which has drawn significant national media attention and internal debate. The party could become the first major political group in the country to adopt this stance as official policy if members approve the measure on Sunday.

Pro-Israel demonstrators gathered outside the conference venue in Brighton on Saturday to oppose the motion. Dozens of protesters shouted at entering party members while chanting that terrorist supporters should leave their streets. Some held signs accusing the Greens of racism or supporting Hamas, while one man waved a combined Israeli and Indian flag. Police officers separated these groups from counter-protesters, ensuring both sides remained peaceful without serious confrontation.

Counter-protesters, mostly Green Party members, held their own demonstration nearby with Palestinian flags and anti-genocide slogans. A banner reading Jews against Zionism was visible among the crowd. Ori, a young Jewish counter-protester, stated he supported the motion to help mainstream political parties recognize Zionism as racism. He argued that this recognition could lead to sanctions against Israel and dismissed claims that the motion makes Jewish members feel unwelcome within the party structure.

Party leader Zack Polanski has identified as an anti-Zionist but requested amendments to explicitly safeguard Jewish people from differential treatment. Speitan rejected this addition, arguing it undermines the motion by requiring Palestinians to disclaim antisemitism. Former leader Caroline Lucas expressed concerns that the motion is divisive and risks excluding Jewish members. However, Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos endorsed the proposal, stating that Zionism lacks legitimacy and must be rejected as a harmful ideology and practice.