Board of Deputies Declares Green Party Racist Over Zionism Policy
The Board of Deputies of British Jews declared the Green Party of England and Wales a racist party on Sunday. The vote passed 118 to 1.
- The Board was responding to the Greens' Zionism is racism conference motion.
- The Board urged parties to avoid coalition deals with Greens over the policy.
- Labour told local Green coalition partners to disown the motion or lose support.
- Four Green MPs and two former leaders criticized the original motion.
Why it matters: Britain's largest Jewish body now says it will treat the Greens as a racist party. That could cost the Greens local coalition partners.
- Board president Phil Rosenberg said the policy gives prejudice against Jews a political licence.
- A Green spokesman said the party does not discriminate against people holding Zionist views.
How 4 sources split on this story
Where they split: The dispute is whether opposing Zionism is a political stance on Israel or a form of prejudice against Jews.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center presents the Board's declaration alongside the Greens' rebuttal, Israel's denial of genocide claims, and internal Green dissent.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right frames the vote as a clear verdict from British Jews against a party that has legitimized antisemitism.
What’s next: Green leader Zack Polanski told the BBC he wants amendments but will not overturn the motion.
- The motion remains Green Party policy until 2028.
- Labour's local Green partners must decide whether to disown the motion.
- How many local Green groups will reject the motion to keep coalition arrangements?
- What amendments will Polanski propose, and will members accept them?
