Chronological coverage updated 4th October 2026 15:43.
Update 1 · 4th October 2026
UK Green Party Adopts Policy Equating Zionism with Racism
The Green Party of England and Wales has formally adopted a policy equating Zionism with racism during its annual conference in Brighton. The passed motion calls for Zionism, the political movement for a Jewish state, to be treated as any other form of racism and advocates replacing Israel with a single Palestinian state.
The policy motion equating Zionism with racism passed at the Green Party conference by 1,022 votes to 813. — according to The Guardian.
The decision was met with immediate condemnation from international diplomats and Jewish community bodies. Prior to the vote, a joint letter from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Community Security Trust, and the Jewish Leadership Council warned that passing the motion would place the Green Party on the extreme margins of democratic politics. Source: The Guardian.
Diplomatic and Political Backlash
Israel's foreign ministry released a statement criticizing the resolution and arguing that the decision extends beyond legitimate political debate.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Israeli Foreign Ministry (Official statement reported following the conference vote) as saying: “The shocking resolution adopted today legitimises armed struggle, calls for a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea” – meaning the destruction of the State of Israel – and labels as “racist” the aspiration of the Jewish people for self-determination. This goes far beyond the boundaries of legitimate political debate. As long as this resolution remains in place, it will stand as a stain on the history of the United Kingdom.”.
Internal division within the party was also evident following the announcement of the result. Former Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay distanced himself from the outcome, reiterating support for equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Adrian Ramsay (Former co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales) as saying: “I am deeply saddened the ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion has passed. It doesn’t reflect Green principles or my own view.”.
In response to the conference vote, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron publicly invited dissatisfied Green Party members to join his party.
- The UK Green Party formally voted to equate Zionism with racism and call for a single Palestinian state.
- The decision drew immediate joint warnings from major British Jewish leadership organisations and condemnation from the Israeli foreign ministry.
