Greens vote Zionism is racism

The Green Party voted to adopt a policy defining Zionism as racism at its annual conference this weekend, sparking widespread condemnation.

Burnham faces coalition pressure

Andy Burnham is facing calls to rule out any potential coalition deal between Labour and the Green Party following the vote.

Jewish Greens chair considers exit

Vivien Lichtenstein, chair of Jewish Greens, said she was considering leaving the party, warning the motion risks labelling UK Jewish organisations as racist.

Chief rabbi warns of threat

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi, warned the move was a threat to British Jews and to Britain, saying he was appalled by the motion.

“a threat to British Jews and to Britain”

Legal risk flagged by barrister

Leading barrister Adam Wagner KC said there was a strong risk the motion contravenes the Equality Act 2010, which applies to political parties.

Wagner warns of discrimination

Wagner said the motion risks directly discriminating against people who hold Zionist beliefs and indirectly discriminating against Jewish people who might join or are members.

Labour figures demand coalition ban

Adam Langleben, former national secretary of Jewish Labour Movement, told the Independent: Yesterday's actions should disqualify them from holding major public office. Labour should rule out joining any kind of coalition with the Greens.

“Yesterday's actions should disqualify them from holding major public office. Labour should rule out joining any kind of coalition with the Greens”

Foreign Office adviser warns Labour

Ben Judah, who advised David Lammy at the Foreign Office until earlier this summer, told the Independent Labour should not countenance forming a coalition with the Green Party as long as this remains their policy.

Starmer's ex-strategist warns of damage

Paul Ovenden, Keir Starmer's former director of strategy in No ten, said a pact with the Greens would be morally wrong and electorally wrongheaded, handing opposition attacks in Labour-Tory battlegrounds.

Polanski barred from Israel

Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who did not vote on the motion, has been barred from entering Israel in retaliation for the party's decision.

Green MPs split from party line

Four of the Green Party's five MPs publicly rejected the motion. Ellie Chowns, Sian Berry, Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer said it risks fuelling division and undermining the party's advocacy for justice and peace.

Polanski faces by-election test

The row erupted days before Zack Polanski attempts to become an MP in a crunch by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, after the seat was vacated by Sir Keir Starmer.