The Green Party's spring conference descended into disarray last night, forcing a postponement of a contentious vote on a policy that equates Zionism with racism. The online event, conducted via Zoom, was plagued by severe technical difficulties as over 1,000 participants attempted to join, causing delays exceeding an hour and sparking speculation of a targeted cyber attack.
Internal Conflicts and Procedural Disputes
Beyond the technical chaos, the conference was further disrupted by a heated row over a transgender party member being misgendered, alongside a protracted factional battle concerning the hardline anti-Zionist motion. This policy was triggered by Israel's ongoing war in Gaza and has ignited fierce debate within the party ranks.
Controversial Motion Details
The proposed motion, if approved, would formally designate the Green Party as an anti-Zionist organisation. It advocates for sanctions against Israel and expresses support for 'resistance and liberation from Israeli occupation', a stance that effectively endorses Hamas attacks. Notably, the motion disregards established definitions of anti-Semitism, including those previously championed by Jewish party leader Zack Polanski, which link anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.
This internal turmoil emerges just days after an alleged arson attack in London destroyed ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer group, adding a layer of sensitivity to the discussions. Critics within the party attempted to rule the motion out of order, arguing it contradicts existing party policy that supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Leadership and External Engagements
Amid the online conference chaos, party leader Zack Polanski was physically present in London, attending a massive demonstration against racism and the war in Iran, which drew an estimated 500,000 protesters. He was photographed dancing with the party's newest MP, Hannah Spencer, before addressing the crowd in Trafalgar Square with the declaration, 'the tide is turning'.
In his speech, Polanski stated, 'I know people have been scared, and we have been afraid, but days like this are here to send a message, a message to Tommy Robinson, to Nigel Farage, to those who appease them. The message is, when we turn up, in our hundreds, in our thousands, in our hundreds of thousands, we are unstoppable.'
Delays and Internal Criticism
The conference proceedings were further stalled by repeated calls for votes of confidence in the session chairs, exacerbating the delays. Former Green Party deputy leader Shahrar Ali publicly criticised the situation on social media, attributing the postponement to 'wrecking tactics'.
Ali tweeted, 'This is the ugly side of Green Party internal democracy - from a party which pretends grassroots democracy is at its core. The reality is their hatred of debate extends to their determination to stop debate if they have the power to do so.' His comments highlight deep-seated divisions and frustrations over the party's democratic processes and handling of contentious issues.
The postponed vote leaves the Green Party grappling with significant internal discord, technical failures, and a polarising policy debate that challenges its core principles and public image.
