Equality watchdog questions Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' motion

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to the Green Party of England and Wales to request more information about a motion it adopted earlier this month that declares “Zionism is racism.” The commission said it is concerned that many Jewish people may feel vulnerable after the motion’s passage. The letter is part of a wider response to complaints that the motion could lead to discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

The motion defines Zionism as an ideology that supports an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine “to the exclusion and/or domination of the non‑Jewish population.” It was passed at the party’s conference in March. The Green Party replied that it will not discriminate against or exclude people who hold Zionist views and that it remains committed to tackling antisemitism. Dozens of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, as well as Jewish campaigners, have written to the regulator expressing concern that the motion could foster antisemitism. Lubna Speitan, the motion’s author, defended it by saying it targets the political ideology, not Jewish identity, and accused the Labour government of “participating in genocide” and lacking moral standing on antisemitism.

Criticism of the motion has come from within the Green Party. Four of the five Green MPs and two former leaders described it as “dangerous” and “divisive.” Green leader Zack Polanski called the motion “imperfect” and said he would push for amendments. Labour has warned it will end power‑sharing agreements with the Greens on local councils unless its councillors disown the motion. The EHRC letter notes that it has received complaints alleging unlawful activity, including the possibility that Jewish people could face discrimination because of their beliefs.

The EHRC will assess the information it receives and may take action if the motion’s practical effects are found to breach the Equality Act. The Green Party may amend the motion to address the concerns. The debate highlights a growing tension over how political parties address allegations of antisemitism and the legal boundaries of political speech. The outcome will shape both the Green Party’s internal policy and its relationships with other parties in the coming months.