Green Party MP Ellie Chowns Criticizes Party Processes Following Controversial Zionism Policy Vote
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns has publicly criticized her party's internal policy-making structures following a conference vote that declared Zionism to be racism and endorsed a single-state solution for Palestine. The motion, which passed with support from approximately 0.4% of the total membership, has triggered internal turmoil and calls for the resignation of party leader Zack Polanski. Chowns expressed concern that the party's current decentralised processes leave it vulnerable to capture by extremists, while emphasizing that the policy does not reflect the views of the majority of members.
Key points
- A Green Party motion defining Zionism as racism and backing a single Palestinian state was passed at the annual conference.
- The motion was supported by roughly 1,000 votes, representing about 0.4% of the party's total membership.
- MP Ellie Chowns stated the party's policy-making processes are failing and expressed concern over potential extremist influence.
- Party leader Zack Polanski faces calls to resign from the chair of the Jewish Greens for missing the vote, though he has stated he intends to remain in his role.
- Polanski later indicated he would have voted against the motion had he been present.
What happened
The Green Party is facing internal criticism following a policy vote at its annual conference that characterized Zionism as racism and advocated for a single Palestinian state. The motion was approved by approximately 1,000 members, a figure estimated to be 0.4% of the party's total membership.
Ellie Chowns, the party's leader in the House of Commons, stated that the ability to pass such a significant policy through these mechanisms indicates that the party's structures are not functioning effectively. She argued that the policy does not represent the views of the majority of party members or the broader public.
Who said what
Ellie Chowns emphasized the need to protect the party from being captured by extremists, stating she wants to ensure the party is not vulnerable to such influence and that policies represent the majority of members. She noted that while legitimate differences of opinion exist, the current process is flawed.
Zack Polanski, the party leader for England and Wales, has been criticized for his absence during the debate and vote, as he was campaigning in a byelection. Vivien Lichtenstein, chair of the Jewish Greens, called for his resignation, describing his absence as a big mistake. Other members of the Jewish Greens have disputed Lichtenstein's position, with a vote of no confidence in her leadership reportedly tabled.
Context
The controversy follows a period of heightened tension regarding the party's stance on the Middle East. Polanski, who is Jewish, stated in interviews following a byelection loss that he would have opposed the motion had he attended, noting that he supported amendments that were ultimately defeated.
The debate occurs against a backdrop of broader political friction between the UK and Israel, exacerbated by recent government sanctions on illegal settlements and subsequent diplomatic tensions.
What happens next
Zack Polanski has stated his intention to remain as leader of the Green Party for England and Wales. The party is scheduled to hold its next leadership election in the summer of 2027.
