I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after backlash to Zionism motion

Key Points:

• Green Party leader Zack Polanski stated he will not accept exclusion of members based on their religious or communal affiliations following the adoption of a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism.
• The motion, passed at the party conference, defines Zionism as supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state and endorses a single democratic Palestinian state in historic Palestine, leading to significant internal and external backlash.
• Over a dozen Labour MPs have reported the Greens to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over concerns about antisemitism and discrimination, while nine MPs have referred the matter to Sussex Police for potential criminal investigation.
• The European Green Party distanced itself from the motion, calling for clarity on protecting Jewish people and their self-determination, highlighting divisions within the Green Party between members and elected MPs.
• Polanski emphasized the distinction between antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state, reaffirming the party's commitment to compassion, fairness, and equality for all members.