Burnham Demands Green Party Reverse Zionism Motion Amid Growing Controversy

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski to overturn a resolution passed by party members that defines Zionism as a form of racism. The intervention marks the most significant political challenge yet to the Greens’ internal policy direction.

Burnham described the motion, which was approved on Sunday during the party’s conference in Brighton, as demonstrating “terrible judgement” and being “completely wrong.” The resolution characterizes Zionism as an ideology supporting an “ethnonationalist Jewish state” and advocates for a “single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine,” a position that effectively includes the territory of modern-day Israel.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to Berlin, Burnham argued that the motion effectively rules out a two-state solution. “For that reason, it shouldn’t be supported in any way, shape or form,” he stated. When pressed on whether the ruling Labour Party would consider a coalition with the Greens, Burnham declined to commit to any future political arrangements.

The controversy has intensified the final days of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where Polanski is standing as a candidate. The seat was vacated by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and the Greens are attempting to overturn a substantial Labour majority. The motion has drawn sharp criticism from within and outside the party, with four of the five Green MPs opposing it, the co-deputy leaders divided on the issue, and the Green deputy leader in Wales resigning in protest.

Polanski, who left the conference early to return to London for the by-election campaign, did not vote on the motion. He had previously expressed reservations, suggesting that the wording regarding a single Palestinian state should be altered and arguing that neither the party nor the British government should dictate the future settlement. An amendment backed by Polanski to ensure the motion would not be used to discipline Jewish members attending synagogues that identify as Zionist was also defeated.

In a statement released on Monday, Polanski stopped short of explicitly endorsing the motion but emphasized that no one should be excluded from the Green Party “because of the religious or communal body they are part of.” He has declined media interviews since the vote was taken.

A Green Party spokesperson defended the context of the debate on Thursday, stating, “This has been an emotive issue and is complex.” The spokesperson added that the motion must be viewed against the backdrop of Israel’s actions, accusing the Israeli government of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the killing of children, while alleging that the political establishment has provided support rather than scrutiny.

The comments come as the International Court of Justice hears a case brought by South Africa accusing Israeli forces of genocide. Israel has dismissed the allegations as “wholly unfounded” and based on “biased and false claims,” noting that proceedings could take years to conclude.

Under the Green Party’s internal democracy model, official policy is determined by member votes, though these positions are not always reflected in general election manifestos.