Green members voted to adopt a binding policy at the Green party conference in Brighton on Sunday, stating that Zionism should be treated as racism. The policy passed with 1,022 votes, while 813 votes opposed the motion.
Zack Polanski stopped short of either supporting or criticizing the motion. Senior Labour party figures stated it was very unlikely their party would cooperate with the Greens in the future.
Furthermore, a government official suggested Labour should formally rule out any future coalition or arrangement. Some senior Lib Dems are now calling for the party to terminate its coalition with the Greens in Southwark, south London.
The Lib Dems and Greens currently govern together in Southwark. Both Southwark parties released a joint administration statement against antisemitism.
Sarah Ludford questioned the Green party's response, stating, “how you think this greenwash is an adequate response to the Greens’ antisemitic ‘Zionism is racism’ motion, from which I believe you should entirely distance yourselves”. Lynne Featherstone added, “I would ditch them. Grow a pair!”.
Zack Polanski previously stated that the Greens could consider an electoral pact with Labour under Andy Burnham or Angela Rayner earlier this year. A source linked to the Jewish labour movement advised Labour should “absolutely” rule out governing with the Greens.
The Holborn and St Pancras byelection on Thursday presents a major test for the parties involved. Labour is currently considered the favourite to win the Holborn and St Pancras byelection.
