Labour Ends Power-Sharing With Green Councils Over ‘Zionism Is Racism’ Policy

Labour has pulled out of power-sharing coalitions with the Green party in 11 councils after party members voted to adopt a policy designating Zionism as a form of racism.

Green party members voted to adopt the policy at the party’s annual conference on 4 October. Prime minister Andy Burnham denounced the policy days later, labelling it “antisemitic” and declaring that his party would “have nothing to do with it”. 

Labour councillors will no longer work with their Green colleagues in local authorities including Sheffield, Warwick, West Devon and Lewes, potentially disrupting local services for hundreds of thousands of people. 

“Labour are trying to bully everyone into defending Genocide,” wrote Green party leader Zack Polanski on X. “We will not cower. We will not be bullied from speaking the truth.”

Agreements remain in six councils, where Green groups have met Labour’s conditions. On 16 October, Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said local groups would have to publicly reject the ‘Zionism Is Racism’ policy and ask Polanski to reconsider it. 

The Greens said that by intervening, Labour has “forced local council leaders into jeopardising successful progressive partnerships that are delivering benefits for residents”. 

They added that Labour has “failed to respect the choices made by local voters” and “ignored the judgements of their own local leaders”.

The move from Labour comes despite Burnham’s promises of greater control for local authorities as part of his plans to devolve power away from Westminster. 

The Green party operates under direct democracy, with policies decided by members. The Zionism motion won more than 1,000 votes despite facing criticism from four of the party’s five MPs.