Labour tells local Green groups to reject ‘Zionism is racism’ policy or it will end council pacts

Labour tells local Green groups to reject ‘Zionism is racism’ policy or it will end council pacts Andy Burnham has ruled out a future power-sharing deal with the Green Party but it was unclear whether this would extend to local councils - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Labour has told all of its local councils that share power with the Green Party that they must terminate their pacts if local Greens do not condemn its motion declaring ‘Zionism is racism’. On Wednesday, Andy Burnham ruled out a future power-sharing deal with the Green Party – but it was unclear whether this would extend to local councils. But Labour has now asked its councils in joint administrations with Zack Polanski’s party to “review” its arrangements, saying if Green groups did not issue a “clear and unambiguous statement” condemning the motion within seven days, any local power-sharing arrangement will end. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said: “The prime minister has been completely clear: this policy is wrong and antisemitic, and has no place in British politics. “Where local Labour Parties currently have an arrangement with the Greens in local government, we expect their Green counterparts to make clear that they reject this position and to call on their national leadership to reconsider the policy.” The ultimatum will impact 17 councils across England and one in Wales, according to the Labour Party, also will urge their Green partners to call on the party’s national leaders to condemn the motion. Ms Phillipson said: “We have asked local Green groups to respond as a matter of urgency. Where they are unable to provide that assurance, Labour will bring any such local arrangement to an end. This isn’t an issue of party politics; it’s about doing what is right and upholding the values anyone holding public office should share. “The Labour Party fought hard to address antisemitism within our own party and ensure it had no place in our politics. We have a responsibility to uphold those same standards in our relationships with other parties.” This is a breaking story – follow for updates... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments