Labour rules out working with Greens after ‘Zionism is racism’ vote

Senior figures within the Labour Party have indicated that cooperation with the Green Party is highly unlikely in the future after the Greens adopted a policy classifying Zionism as a form of racism. This stance has led to internal debate within Labour about formally ruling out any future coalition or arrangements with the Greens, particularly in the event of a hung parliament after a general election.

A government official stated that Labour could not foresee working with the Greens under the current circumstances. Pressure is also mounting within the Liberal Democrats to sever existing coalition ties with the Greens, specifically in Southwark, south London, where they currently govern together.

The Green Party's conference on Sunday saw members vote to adopt a binding policy that treats Zionism as racism and advocates for a single Palestinian state. Bridget Phillipson, the Labour chair, condemned the decision as "shameful" and linked it to the importance of tackling antisemitism. A source connected to the Jewish Labour movement urged Labour to "absolutely" rule out governing with the Greens, citing concerns about potential breaches of equality law regarding the treatment of Jewish members.

This development follows months of speculation about potential electoral pacts between the parties. Zack Polanski, a Green party figure, had previously suggested the Greens might consider an electoral pact with Labour. Labour views the controversy surrounding the Zionism motion as an opportunity to simplify its political argument against the Greens, who have been attracting left-leaning voters disillusioned with Labour.

The upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election is seen as a test of this dynamic, with Polanski campaigning for the seat. Despite significant Green Party campaigning, Labour is considered the favorite to win.

In Southwark, following the Zionism vote, the Liberal Democrats and Greens issued a joint statement against antisemitism without directly referencing the new Green policy. This response drew sharp criticism from senior Liberal Democrats, with one peer calling it "greenwash" and another suggesting the party should "ditch them."

The policy was passed at the Green conference by 1,022 votes to 813, despite opposition from four of the party's five Members of Parliament. Polanski, who left the conference early to campaign, stated that antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state "are and must always be completely distinct," while affirming pride in the party's stance on Palestinian rights.