Burnham rules out coalition with Greens after 'Zionism is racism' motion
Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said his party will not form a partnership with the Green Party while it defines Zionism as a form of racism. The Green Party passed a motion to that effect, which Burnham called wrong and antisemitic. Labour currently cooperates with Greens in some local councils but opposes the new policy at the national level.Key Facts
- The Green Party passed a motion calling Zionism an ideology supporting a Jewish state that excludes or dominates non-Jewish people.
- This motion was backed by a small number of Green Party members—about 1,022 out of 230,000 total members.
- Labour leader Andy Burnham condemned the motion as antisemitic and said Labour will not partner with a party holding this view nationally.
- The Green Party leader Zack Polanski called the motion "imperfect" but stated the displacement of Palestinians is tied to racist ideology.
- Israeli government denies accusations that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
- Labour and Greens currently work together in coalitions in several local councils, but it is unclear if Burnham’s rejection applies locally or only nationally.
- Some Green Party members want changes to party rules after the motion’s adoption, criticizing how it was voted on by such a small fraction of members.
- Supporters of the motion say it opposes all forms of racism and discrimination without exemptions.
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