The Green Party’s new “Zionism is racism” policy has drawn severe criticism, with the government’s antisemitism tsar warning it exceeds anything witnessed under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. John Mann cautioned that the treatment of some party members is “unprecedented in Westminster since the Second World War,” reports BritPanorama.
The controversy follows a 2020 report from the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which found Labour guilty of “unlawful” acts of harassment and discrimination during Corbyn’s leadership. Mann’s critique stresses that the Greens have furthered an environment of discrimination, indicating a shift towards sectarianism within the party.
Mann described the evolving landscape as alarming, noting, “The way some of their Jewish members and supporters are being treated is something unprecedented in Westminster since the Second World War.” His remarks come in light of a growing backlash against the party’s decision, with notable public figures voicing their concerns.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis labelled the Green Party’s stance a “threat to British Jews and to Britain,” while other party affiliates, including the chair of the Jewish Greens, have expressed serious discontent over the direction of the party. Former leader Caroline Lucas articulated her sadness concerning the passing of the resolution, underscoring a divide within the party.
The US government is also poised to respond, with Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun stating that Washington will make “representations” to the UK administration regarding this policy. Complicating issues further, party leader Zack Polanski is barred from entering Israel as a result of the controversy, raising questions on diplomatic relationships.
Legal experts have cautioned that the motion, recently approved at the Greens’ annual conference, may violate the Equality Act 2010, stirring concerns about the policy’s implications. This situation raises critical inquiries about the party’s future and the leadership of Polanski, particularly as he positions himself for a parliamentary by-election.
The sentiment against the party is growing, with some Labour figures asserting that no political collaboration with the Greens should be entertained. Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser echoed this, suggesting that no Scottish political entity should engage with what he termed the “extremist antisemitic Scottish Greens.”
In response to the backlash, a Green Party spokesperson highlighted Polanski’s commitment to unity and inclusivity, asserting, “Under my leadership, no one will be made unwelcome because of their background, their faith, or where they worship.” The statement sought to reaffirm the party’s values of compassion, fairness, and equality amidst rising tensions within British politics.
The evolving dynamics of the Green Party signal a critical juncture in its history, raising questions about the balance between political ideology and community inclusivity.
