Green Party MP warns against capture by extremists

Ellie Chowns, the Green Party's leader in the House of Commons, told BBC Radio 4 that the way such a "significant and damaging policy" was passed indicated flaws in the party's structures and policy-making processes. She stated that the policy does not reflect the views of the majority of Green Party members or the wider public.

The debate highlights tensions within the party regarding its decentralized policymaking and its ability to manage rapid membership growth. This comes after the party's leader for England and Wales, Zack Polanski, lost a byelection in Holborn and St Pancras. Polanski, who received just under 33% of the vote, has indicated he intends to remain as leader despite calls for his resignation, including from Vivien Lichtenstein, the chair of the Jewish Greens.

Chowns described Polanski's absence from the debate and vote on the Zionism motion as "disappointing" but suggested he has an opportunity to unite the party. Polanski stated that had he attended, he would have voted against the motion, as amendments he supported, which would have allowed Palestinians to decide the future structure of their state, were voted down.

Lichtenstein asserted that Polanski made a "big mistake" by avoiding the vote and called for his resignation. However, other members of the Jewish Greens have indicated that Lichtenstein's comments do not represent the majority view within their group, and a vote of no confidence against her has been tabled.