Greens face investigation over ‘Zionism is racism’ motion

The Green Party is facing an investigation by Britain’s equalities watchdog after it adopted a policy stating that “Zionism is racism”. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), which successfully reported the Labour Party for antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership in 2018, said it had written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission because of the policy’s “real potential to embolden expressions of antisemitism”. Most commented 1 New My partner died. Then I found a text: ‘Shall we have an affair?’ Sex & Relationships 23 comments 2 Oil price hits 5 as Hurricane Isaias threatens US producers Companies & Markets 25 comments 3 New I sleep with my dogs. A new study proves it’s better for me Pets 21 comments 4 500 arrested as French police use tear gas during student protests Europe 7 comments 5 Oliver Glasner: Premier League’s integrity at risk if City case drags on Football 4 comments The motion, passed at the Green Party conference , declared that Zionism, the movement that led to the creation of Israel as a Jewish state, would be “treated as any other form of racism” by the Greens. Top stories 1 New Trump Jr’s ex-fiancée ‘asked donor to pay 0k credit card bill’ US politics 2 Trump’s war with Iran doubles the cost of his rides in ‘the Beast’ US politics 3 Warning for Burnham over US link on military satellites Companies & Markets 4 New Starbucks ‘explores takeover’ of Chipotle Mexican Grill US business 5 Andy Burnham vows ‘deeper co-operation’ with EU to tackle Russia Politics Andy Burnham, the prime minister, has called on Zack Polanski, the party leader, to reverse the policy. The prime minister in Berlin on Thursday FILIP SINGER/EPA Burnham said on a visit to Berlin: “I think [the passing of the motion] was a completely wrong decision, a terrible judgment on the part of the Green Party of England and Wales. Advertisement “In effect, ruling out a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, and for that reason it shouldn’t be supported in any way, shape or form.” Top stories 1 China came for Congo’s gold. Then Ebola struck Africa 2 Our tower block caught fire — why are we still paying £1,500 a month? Mortgages 3 My daughter works part-time — can she rescue her retirement? Ask Times Money 4 Three popular money rules that you should rethink Saving & Investing He added: “In my view, all political parties in the UK should do everything they can to support the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, and that certainly will remain the government’s position.” Gideon Falter, chief executive of the CAA, said the campaign “will not stand idly by as extremists hijack a political party and make antisemitism its openly stated policy”. He said: “The Green Party’s decision to adopt its ‘Zionism is racism’ motion is racist and unlawful because it discriminates against Jews. Whether the party believes itself to be above the law, or — by staggering incompetence — has not bothered to check the legal position, we will ensure that it faces the consequences of its actions. “The Green Party has become and continues to be a party which discriminates against Jewish members and associates either in their capacity as Jews, or as persons who are, or are perceived to be, associated with Zionism and the State of Israel.” Advertisement A Green Party spokesman said: “As our leader, Zack Polanski, has made very clear no one will be made unwelcome because of their background, their faith, or where they worship. We remain committed to upholding our own code of conduct and our duties under the Equality Act, and to ensuring the Green Party continues to be a safe place for all members.” Polanski did not vote on the motion TOLGA AKMAN/EPA On Burnham’s comments, a Green Party spokesman said: “This issue … has rightly caused much discussion, and needs to be taken in the context that Israel’s behaviour has had. “Israel has been responsible for a genocide, ethnic cleansing and the killing of children, and we’ve had a political establishment which has not only turned a blind eye but provided support. Zack has made an unequivocal commitment that no Jewish person will be excluded or denied a voice because they are a member of a synagogue or communal organisation that endorses Zionism.” Green member behind Zionism motion is friends with al-Qaeda terrorist Despite opposing the policy Burnham refused to rule out a future Labour-Green coalition if no party held an overall majority after the next election. Advertisement “I’m not getting into any business about what might or might not happen in the future,” he said. “I’m clearly setting out this government’s view in relation to the wrongness of that resolution and the importance of the two-state solution.” Politics newsletter Get our daily insider’s guide to Westminster, plus a rundown of PMQs every Wednesday. Sign up with one click You’ve successfully signed up to the Politics newsletter Explore our newsletters An error occurred. Please use the link below. Politics newsletter Explore our newsletters Polanski did not cast a vote on the motion. A Green Party spokesman said this was because he was on the campaign trail for the Holborn & St Pancras by-election, in which he is standing. Green members also voted down two amendments, including one designed to protect Jewish Greens who attended venues that identify as “Zionist”, such as synagogues or community centres, from being reported to the party for racism. Another which would have watered down the language on the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state was also rejected. In 2018 the CAA made a report to the EHRC about Labour under Corbyn. The regulator found the party responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination over antisemitism. Advertisement ‘I was a Green councillor but as a Jew how could I stay?’ The report did not blame Corbyn directly but the EHRC’s lead investigator at the time, Alasdair Henderson, said the failure of leadership was ultimately his fault. Senior Greens warned in the run up to the vote that Jewish members would feel “scared and unwelcome” in the party if it became official policy. Caroline Lucas, the party’s first MP and former leader, urged the Greens to reject the motion because it was “alienating” Jewish members. Four of the party’s five present MPs also publicly opposed and voted against the motion. Advertisement Green member happy to be called ‘antisemitic Hamas terrorist’ A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: “We consider each complaint carefully and take action where appropriate.” They added: “We recognise the right to free speech is fundamental to our democracy and must be protected even when dealing with complex and sensitive issues. Similarly, everyone has a right not to be discriminated against, including on the grounds of race, religion or belief. As part of our duty to foster good relations between different groups, we urge those in positions of authority to balance these rights appropriately and respectfully.”