I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after criticism of Zionism motion

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1. 1h ago

   Zack Polanski Defends Greens After Zionism Motion

   Green Party leader Zack Polanski insists his party will not accept the exclusion of anyone based on religion following a backlash to a conference vote classifying Zionism as a form of racism. Polanski stated that the party wants everyone to feel safe and welcome while protecting both Palestinian rights and UK Jewish communities. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the motion as poisonous antisemitism. The vote has triggered severe political fallout, including international ostracism from European Greens, a resignation within the party, and criticism from senior political figures.

   Why it matters

   The controversy erupted after members at the Green Party conference in Brighton passed a motion stating that Zionism is racism. Opponents argue the policy effectively calls for the eradication of Israel by advocating for a single Palestinian state. The fallout has isolated the party internationally and placed intense pressure on its leadership.

   What is confirmed

   • Green Party members voted to pass a motion declaring Zionism to be a form of racism during a conference in Brighton.
   • Green Party leader Zack Polanski stated that the party will not accept any exclusion or refusal to engage with anyone because of their religious or communal body.
   • Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the motion as poisonous antisemitism and a threat to British Jews and to Britain.
   • Phil Davies, the party's Welsh deputy leader, resigned and cancelled his membership following the vote.
   • The European Greens and German Green co-leaders called the motion intolerable and unacceptable.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Opponents claim the motion effectively calls for the eradication of Israel as it refers only to a single Palestinian state.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions by other political parties on whether to rule out future deals with the Green Party.
   • Further internal resignations or disciplinary actions within the Green Party over the antisemitism crisis.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. The Economist — Britain’s Greens have voted, shamefully, to say Zionism is racism
   2. Reuters — Britain's Green Party votes to class Zionism as a form of racism
   3. Al Jazeera — Before UK Greens, who else has equated Zionism with racism?
   4. The Guardian — Green party of England and Wales facing international ostracism over ‘Zionism is racism’ vote
   5. BBC — I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after backlash to Zionist motion
   6. metro.co.uk — Kemi Badenoch says Green Party is ‘full of antisemites’ after Zionism vote
   7. www.yahoo.com — Zionism is racist, says Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer
   8. www.dailymail.com — Tony Blair piles pressure on Andy Burnham to rule out a deal with the Greens as ex-PM warns Zack Polanski's party has 'crossed a line' with 'Zionism is racism' vote
   9. www.bbc.co.uk — I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after criticism of Zionist motion - BBC
   10. www.dailymail.com — Desperate Zack Polanski insists Greens have 'principled' stance on Palestine despite fury at 'anti-Semiti....
   11. uk.news.yahoo.com — Greens will ‘not accept any exclusion’ of people based on religion – Polanski - Yahoo News UK
   12. www.bbc.co.uk — Green member behind Zionism motion named as 'close friend' of jailed al-Qaeda supporter in court - BBC Ne....
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