Labour councils that share power with the Greens have been instructed to terminate agreements if their Green partners do not condemn the party's new "Zionism is racism" policy. Bridget Phillipson, the Labour chair, emphasized that groups collaborating with Green party politicians must "review" their agreements and end them unless they reject the controversial motion, which Andy Burnham has labeled as "antisemitic."
Background of the Policy
The policy, adopted at the Green party conference in Brighton earlier this month, equates Zionism, the movement for a Jewish state, with racism. It also dismisses a two-state solution and advocates for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state "with equal rights for all."
Labour's Stance
On Wednesday, Burnham ruled out any partnership with the Greens, stating during prime minister's questions, "It is wrong. It is antisemitic, and this side of the house will have nothing to do with it." He further asserted that Labour would not support a partnership with a party that holds such a position.
Phillipson elaborated on Labour's response, stating that Greens working with Labour in local government would be asked to clarify their rejection of this position and to urge their national leadership to reconsider the policy. She remarked:
“"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."
Phillipson also highlighted Labour's commitment to addressing antisemitism within its ranks, asserting the responsibility to uphold those standards in relationships with other parties.
