Greens acknowledge "motion on Zionism has caused concern" as controversy risks council leadership
“We acknowledge that our party’s motion on Zionism has caused some concern”
Green Party councillors in Sheffield have released a statement describing Zionism as a “deeply sensitive issue” as a controversial motion from the national party could see the city council’s leadership arrangement crumble.
Critics have raised concerns about antisemitism within the Green Party after members passed the controversial ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion at the national conference in Brighton on Sunday October 4.
The motion calls or the establishment of a single democratic state throughout historic Palestine and describes Zionism as an ideology in support of an “ethnonationalist Jewish state.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham quickly denounced the Greens’ decision, with Labour Party chairwoman, Bridget Phillipson, announcing that local collaborations between the two parties will end unless they reject the motion.
On October 15, Labour council leader Fran Belbin in Sheffield issued an ultimatum for the city’s Green Partu councillors to denounce what she described as the "shameful and antisemitic" motion if the current leadership arrangement between the two parties is to continue.
In a further statement on October 27, Coun Belbin said she had been speaking to Jewish communities who are “deeply afraid of rising antisemitism and the impact of crass over-simplification of complex issues” like the ongoing war in Gaza.
Later that day, local Green Party councillors released a joint statement saying they “acknowledge that our party’s motion on Zionism has caused some concern”.
“As a party, Greens advocate for universal and equal human and civil rights, freedom and justice,” the statement reads.
“Our core values are rooted in environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and democracy. We want to be absolutely clear that, as Green councillors, we stand firmly against all forms of racism.
“We acknowledge that our party’s motion on Zionism has caused some concern and we recognise that this is a deeply sensitive issue. We take those concerns seriously.
“We reject anti-Jewish racism and prejudice. This has been and will always be the case. We believe that Jewish people should not be persecuted.
“All people in Sheffield and elsewhere have equal rights to lead a free, safe and secure life.”
Sheffield Green Party leader Angela Argenzio published an open letter to Coun Belbin on October 16, saying “conflating Zionism with Judaism is itself antisemitic” while claiming that Labour risks destabilising Sheffield City Council over national politics.
The ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion itself was passed with 1,022 votes, while 813 - including four of the party’s five MPs - opposed.
Meanwhile Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Gorton and Denton MP Hannah Spencer did not vote.
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The latest joint statement from Sheffield’s Greens adds: “At the heart of our politics, we are firmly dedicated to the principle that all people should be safe wherever they live. Everyone deserves to feel respected and included.
“To our fellow members, we are committed to the Green Party of England and Wales remaining a safe and welcoming place for all people.
“We are in dialogue with Jewish individuals, groups and community leaders in Sheffield and welcome further engagement.
“Every resident can expect that Green councillors will treat them with respect – without exception. We will always work constructively to ensure everyone feels safe and has a voice in our city.”