Green Party Conference to Debate Motion Supporting Hamas Attacks and Declaring Zionism Racist
The Green Party is poised for a divisive internal battle as members prepare to vote on a motion that would endorse Hamas terror attacks and formally declare Zionism a form of racism. The proposal, titled 'Zionism is Racism', has garnered what supporters describe as 'record-breaking' grassroots backing and is scheduled for debate at the party's spring conference next month.
Motion Details and Controversial Stance
If approved, the motion would establish Green Party policy to support Palestinian 'resistance' against Israel 'by all available means under international law'. This language has been interpreted by advocates as a clear endorsement of armed struggle. The motion explicitly states that support for Zionism—the belief in a Jewish state in Palestine—should be 'treated as any other form of racism'.
One of the motion's key champions, barrister Franck Magennis of Garden Court Chambers, who previously attempted to have Hamas removed from the UK's terror list, described the wording as a 'euphemistic way of saying that the Palestinians have a right to armed struggle, and that we should support it.' A briefing note accompanying the motion further clarifies that Palestinian 'armed struggle' would be justified under this policy.
Implications for Jewish Members and Leadership
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has warned that, since the 'overwhelming majority' of British Jews identify as Zionist, this motion would effectively declare them inherently racist, potentially opening the door to a 'frightening witch-hunt'. In a striking personal consequence, Green Party leader Zack Polanski would be compelled to treat his own mother—who has publicly expressed support for Israel on social media—as a racist under the motion's provisions.
Despite this, Polanski has refused to denounce the motion this week, stating he 'equivocated' on it due to differing interpretations of Zionism. The motion is also reportedly supported by deputy leader Mothin Ali, who previously appeared to celebrate the Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people.
Proponents and Campaign Tactics
The motion is proposed by British Palestinian artist Lubna Speitan, who has previously backed 'armed struggle' against Israel and mocked those who label attackers as terrorists. Speitan expressed being 'heartened and overwhelmed' by the 'record-breaking' support her proposal has received. A coordinated social media campaign is actively urging individuals to join the Green Party solely to vote for the motion, with instructional videos on TikTok, X, and YouTube providing step-by-step guidance on membership sign-up and voting procedures.
Backed by the Greens For Palestine group, the motion additionally calls for the party to declare itself 'anti-Zionist', advocate for the 'de-proscription of Palestine Action', and reject accusations that anti-Zionism constitutes anti-Semitism. It further demands a 'single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital'—a stance that effectively seeks the eradication of Israel. Campaign materials for the motion feature a map of Israel painted in Palestinian flag colours.
Widespread Condemnation and Safety Concerns
John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, condemned the motion, stating: 'It's a support for terrorism and overt racism against Jews. There is no ambiguity. This is well beyond anything that happened during Labour under Jeremy Corbyn. This makes Corbyn look like a moderate.'
The Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that the motion 'threatens to make the Green Party a hostile and discriminatory environment for its Jewish members, and has significant implications for British Jews more broadly.' Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel branded it 'one of the hateful and racist documents I've ever read,' accusing it of calling for Israel's destruction and justifying terrorism.
Jewish Green Party members have expressed fears for their safety if the motion passes, with a representative group stating it would render the party officially 'anti-Jewish'. In a dramatic escalation, one member has reported the party to counter-terror police over the motion.
Party Response and Procedural Context
A Green Party spokesman emphasized that the motion is 'currently not policy' and remains only a 'proposed motion' submitted by members. It must first succeed in an ongoing prioritisation ballot before being voted on at the spring conference. However, the spokesman declined to comment on reports of deputy leader Mothin Ali's support for the motion.
The controversy underscores a significant shift within the Green Party, traditionally focused on environmental issues like fossil fuels and renewable energy. Critics argue the motion represents an infiltration of extremist elements, with Mann noting: 'Hate is bringing members surging into the Green party.' The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for the motion's rejection and the expulsion of its proposers, warning the party is 'poised to recycle history's worst hatreds.'
