Sheffield Greens hit back at Labour ultimatum as Council thrown into turmoil over Zionism motion

"If Labour chooses to destabilise Sheffield City Council over this, Labour owns the consequences"

The leader of Sheffield Greens has confirmed the group are not backing down over the controversial 'Zionism is Racism' motion that has thrown the council administration into turmoil.

The leadership of Sheffield City Council could collapse after Greens were hit with an ultimatum from Labour | Iconic Media

placeholder image — The leadership of Sheffield City Council could collapse after Greens were hit with an ultimatum from Labour | Iconic Media

On October 15, Sheffield council leader Fran Belbin said if Green councillors don’t publicly reject the 'Zionism is Racism' motion that passed at their party conference earlier this month, their joint administration will not continue.

Coun Belbin called the motion "shameful and antisemitic."

Councillor Angela Argenzio, leader of the Green group, has asked the council leader to "set aside our political differences" and "do what is best for Sheffield."

Hitting back at Coun Belbin's ultimatum, she said: "If Labour chooses to destabilise Sheffield City Council over this, Labour owns the consequences."

Coun Belbin's shock statement followed Prime Minister Andy Burnham condemning the motion on Wednesday (October 14) and Labour chair Bridget Phillipson demanding all local ties with Greens to end unless they reject the motion.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard also confirmed Labour councillors "will not countenance a coalition with the Green Party as long as they continue to support that newly adopted stance towards Zionism."

Coun Argenzio said in an 'open letter' to Coun Belbin: "As you will know from our working relationship, I am committed to upholding human rights for everyone and do not tolerate any form of racism.

"We have a shared commitment to ensuring that Sheffield is a diverse, welcoming and tolerant place. I am confident that the experience you have had working with me and my colleagues demonstrates our commitment to this and to our obligations under the Equality Act.

"You know that the Green Councillors are not antisemitic. Conflating Zionism with Judaism is itself antisemitic. We stand with all Jewish residents of Sheffield: we always have and always will.

In an open letter to Councillor Belbin (left), Councillor Argenzio (right) said: "You know that the Green Councillors are not antisemitic. Conflating Zionism with Judaism is itself antisemitic." | Sheffield City Council

"We will continue to oppose genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and illegal occupation wherever they occur, and we will continue to speak out against violations of international law and human rights."

Sheffield City Council is run by a joint administration of Labour and Greens since the local elections in May.

The city is one of a handful in the country with a collaborative Labour and Green leadership.

Coun Argenzio said: "You will appreciate the Green Party also has some reservations about working with Labour.

"When we decided to work together in Sheffield, we knew there were issues upon which we profoundly disagreed, for example your Party’s position on the Israeli Government’s genocidal actions in Gaza and the rights to peaceful protest.

"We decided that for the good of Sheffield we would work together on issues where we agreed, acting as responsible local politicians to take the challenging decisions needed for the city.

"We are very clear that we are in favour of solving problems. Much as I appreciate that you and other Labour Leaders have been directed by your national Party Leader, we have to do what is best for Sheffield and set aside our political differences.

"Both you and I know the consequences of destabilising Sheffield City Council: for our city, for our employees and our plans for taking the city forward.

"Our responsibility goes beyond the direction you are receiving from London. If Labour chooses to destabilise Sheffield City Council over this, Labour owns the consequences."

The Sheffield Green Group added: "Decisions about how our council is run should be made here in Sheffield, not dictated from Westminster. Does Mr Burnham not trust his local councillors to make good decisions about who should run their local areas?

"We've managed a productive relationship with Sheffield Labour to deliver for the people of this city - on buses, adult social care, renewable energy and so much more.

"This administration failing would be disastrous for the city, it's very disappointing that the PM - despite his words about devolution and local decision making - wants to tear it up.”