Greens must avoid ‘capture by extremists and racists’, says party MP

A Green Party MP has criticized the narrow margin of a recent internal vote declaring Zionism a form of racism, warning the party’s processes may leave it open to influence by extremists. The controversial policy, backed by just over 1,000 members—less than half a percent of the total—has sparked a political backlash, with the party now facing pressure over its stance on Israel and Palestine. The motion also shifts support toward a single Palestinian state rather than a two-state solution, deepening divisions within the party. Supporters argue the move is necessary to combat racism, while critics question whether the decision reflects broader membership sentiment or a fringe position.

Ellie Chowns says vote for ‘Zionism is racism’ policy by 0.4% of members shows party processes are not workingA Green Party MP has said she wants to make sure her party is not “vulnerable to capture by extremists and racists” amid the continuing fallout from the “Zionism is racism” vote.The party faces a political maelstrom over its policy decision last week to treat Zionism, the movement for a Jewish state, as any other form of racism, and to back a single Palestinian state over a two-state solution. The motion was passed at the annual party conference with just over 1,000 votes, approximately 0.4% of the total membership. Continue reading...