Equality regulator requested information from the Green Party about the 'Zionism is racism' resolution

The key facts

The EHRC requested information from the Greens about the 'Zionism is racism' resolution and received complaints about possible discrimination against Jews
The resolution became party policy but will not necessarily be included in the manifesto at the next election
Four of the five Green MPs and two former leaders criticised the resolution; Labour threatens to break agreements in local councils

Regulator requested information from the Greens

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed that it sent the Green Party of England and Wales a letter asking it to provide additional information about the 'Zionism is racism' resolution adopted at the party conference in early October. A spokesperson for the regulator said the commission wants to 'assess the practical consequences and potential impact' of the resolution. According to him, the EHRC received complaints about alleged unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010, including concerns that Jews could face discrimination because of their beliefs after the resolution was adopted. The regulator noted that 'compliance with the Equality Act will likely depend on the practical consequences of the resolution' and that it 'will take action where appropriate' after assessing the additional information. The EHRC also acknowledged that 'many Jews are likely to feel vulnerable' after the resolution was adopted.

Content of the resolution

The resolution describes Zionism as an ideology supporting 'an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine at the expense of and/or in domination over the non-Jewish population'. After approval by party members, the resolution became party policy, however, as the BBC notes, it will not necessarily be included in the party's manifesto at the next general election.

Party reaction

In response to the EHRC letter, the Green Party of England and Wales stated that it 'will not discriminate against or exclude people for Zionist views', and that the resolution establishes a political position 'that does not affect membership conditions or internal disciplinary processes'. A party spokesperson added that 'the comprehensive antisemitism guidance, which is part of our ethical framework, remains unchanged', and that the party 'remains committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring that Jewish members feel welcome and respected'. Green leader Zack Polanski called the resolution 'imperfect' and said he would like to see it changed. This came against the backdrop of the party's defeat in a by-election and internal party pressure.

Criticism within the party and from other parties

The resolution, along with Jewish groups, was criticised by four of the five Green MPs and two former party leaders; one of them called it 'dangerous' and 'divisive'. Dozens of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, as well as Jewish activists, sent letters to the regulator expressing concern about antisemitism. In the letter from some MPs, in addition to the resolution itself, amendments to protect Jewish members of the Greens in Zionist synagogues were mentioned, which were rejected by a vote: 'Taken together, these events raise serious questions about whether Jewish members can participate freely and on equal terms in the party, and whether their religious and community ties could expose them to complaints or disciplinary measures.' The Labour Party said it would end power-sharing agreements with the Greens in local councils if their councillors do not renounce the resolution.

Position of the resolution's author

The resolution's author, Lubna Spaightan, said at a press conference on Friday that the Labour government had been 'a participant in genocide' and 'has no moral right to talk to us about antisemitism, racism or any other issue'. She defended her resolution, arguing that it 'targets the political ideology and practice of Zionism as defined in the resolution, not the religious or ethnic origin of those who may identify as Zionists'. 'Rejecting Zionism and supporting the liberation of Palestine is not discrimination against the Jewish people,' she added. The BBC notes that the International Court of Justice is currently considering a case in which Israeli forces are accused of genocide; Israel called these accusations 'completely unfounded' and based on 'biased and false claims'.

Complaint from Campaign Against Antisemitism

Separately, the group Campaign Against Antisemitism sent a letter to the EHRC asserting that the party had breached the Equality Act by discriminating against Jews. In the group's view, the resolution 'effectively asserts that the State of Israel should not exist' and 'defines support for a Jewish homeland in any form as racism'.