Burnham attacks Green Party vote

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called the Green Party's conference vote declaring Zionism is racism completely wrong and said it shows terrible judgement.

“completely wrong”

The motion sets new party policy

The Green Party conference on Sunday passed a motion declaring the party anti-Zionist and setting into policy that Zionism will be treated as any other form of racism.

“treated as any other form of racism”

Burnham calls on Polanski to reverse it

Burnham called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski to say the motion will be reversed and will not be Green Party policy.

Polanski lost his by-election bid

The criticism comes as Polanski suffered defeat in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, losing by over three thousand votes despite a major campaign in the area.

Polanski defends the distinction

In a statement, Polanski said antisemitism and criticism of Israel are completely distinct. Blurring the line between them is antisemitic and makes Jewish people less safe, he said.

“Antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct”

Party faces internal pressure

The fallout has threatened to split the party.Wales Green Party deputy leader resigned on Tuesday after seven years, citing the motion.Polanski remains under pressure over his ability to lead the party to electoral success.