Labour tells local Green groups to reject ‘Zionism is racism’ policy or it will end council pacts

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Labour has told all of its local councils that share power with the Green Party that they must terminate their pacts if local Greens do not condemn its motion declaring ‘Zionism is racism’ . On Wednesday, Andy Burnham ruled out a future power-sharing deal with the Green Party – but it was unclear whether this would extend to local councils. Labour has now asked its councils in joint administrations with Zack Polanski ’s party to “review” its arrangements, saying if Green groups did not issue a “clear and unambiguous statement” condemning the motion within seven days, any local power-sharing arrangement will end. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said: “The prime minister has been completely clear: this policy is wrong and antisemitic, and has no place in British politics. “Where local Labour Parties currently have an arrangement with the Greens in local government, we expect their Green counterparts to make clear that they reject this position and to call on their national leadership to reconsider the policy.” open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski (Will Colebourne/PA) ( PA Wire ) The ultimatum will impact 17 councils across England and one in Wales, according to the Labour Party, also will urge their Green partners to call on the party’s national leaders to condemn the motion. The Greens hit back at the decision, calling it “undemocratic” and “disappointing. “For the Labour Government to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism is disappointing and wrong,” a spokesperson for the party said. “Trying to tell local parties what to do and who they can work with is undemocratic. “Whilst Labour continue to try to meddle in our internal democracy, arm a genocide and lock up protesting pensioners, we will not take lectures from them.” But Ms Phillipson added: “We have asked local Green groups to respond as a matter of urgency. Where they are unable to provide that assurance, Labour will bring any such local arrangement to an end. This isn’t an issue of party politics; it’s about doing what is right and upholding the values anyone holding public office should share. “The Labour Party fought hard to address antisemitism within our own party and ensure it had no place in our politics. We have a responsibility to uphold those same standards in our relationships with other parties.” open image in gallery The prime minister on Wednesday ruled out any coalition with the Green Party on a national level in future, while the policy is in place ( AFP/Getty ) The prime minister on Wednesday ruled out any coalition with the Green Party on a national level in future, while the policy is in place. It has drawn criticism from all sides of the political spectrum, including from senior Green figures such as former leader Caroline Lucas, who branded it as “dangerous”, and “divisive”. Asked about the Zionism is racism motion at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Burnham said he condemned it “unequivocally” and would not support a “partnership” with the Greens while it remained in place. The Labour Party leader said: “It is wrong, it is antisemitic, and this side of the House will have nothing to do with it. “We will always take the right response when it comes to any partnerships we have with other parties. “We cannot support a partnership with a party that holds the position that has recently been adopted.” Last week The Independent revealed that senior Labour figures were calling on the prime minister to rule out a coalition with the Greens over the issue. The motion passed at the Green Party’s Brighton conference with about 1,000 members voting in favour and some 800 against. Mr Polanski sought to distance himself from the vote last Friday, saying he would only have supported an amended motion. He told Sky News: “Ultimately, I agree with the substance of the motion. Where I disagree is the idea the Green Party should be deciding what the future of the region looks like.” Responding to Mr Burnham, he said: “I'm the only Jewish leader of a political party. “I'm a victim of antisemitism every day and I've made it clear Jewish people are welcome in my party. You're a prime minister who arms a genocide and locks pensioners up for opposing it.”