Green Party members pass ‘Zionism is racism’ motion

Green Party members pass ‘Zionism is racism’ motion The motion passed by 1022 votes, with 813 against on Sunday in a move that sets out the party is anti-Zionist - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Green Party members have passed a motion to define Zionism as racist at the party’s conference in Brighton. The motion passed by 1022 votes, with 813 against on Sunday in a move that sets out the party is anti-Zionist, defining the term as “an ethnonationalist political project”, while caveating that anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism. The debate caused controversy in the run up to the vote with members of the party concerned by the wording and definitions outlined by the motion. A Green Party spokesperson said: “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership. Our members value the ability to bring forward and decide party policy, and conference has now made its decision. “The Green Party is an anti-racist party and has consistently opposed the illegal occupation of both Palestinian and Syrian land, called for an end to arms sales to the Israeli government and spoken out fearlessly about the devastating situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Those positions remain central to our approach. So too does our deeply held commitment to equality, justice and human rights for all and opposition to racism in all its forms.” As part of the motion, the party reasserted its commitment to “Palestinian liberation, the right of return, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and a full arms embargo against Israel.” The party also restated its support for the Palestinian right to self-determination, calling for the establishment “of a single democratic state throughout historic Palestine.” Party leader Zack Polanski, currently on the campaign trail to stand in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election, reportedly did not cast a vote. MP Carla Denyer shared a statement the day before the delate to express concern that the motion might undermine the party’s long-standing commitment to the right to self-determination between Palestinains and Israelis to determine their own future. This is a breaking news story. More to follow. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments