I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after criticism of Zionist motion
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has defended the party's inclusivity after members passed a motion labeling Zionism as a form of racism. The decision has sparked significant backlash, including referrals to the police and criticism from Labour MPs, highlighting deep divisions within the party.
Why it matters
The controversy underscores the intense polarization surrounding the definition of Zionism and antisemitism within Western political institutions.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Green Party leader Zack Polanski did not take part in the vote on Sunday
Zack Polanski has said he will not accept anyone being excluded from the Green Party "because of the religious or communal body they are part of", after members adopted a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism.
The Green leader said "no-one will be made unwelcome because of their background, their faith, or where they worship".
The motion defines Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and backs a "single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine".
It comes after more than a dozen Labour MPs reported the Greens to the equality watchdog on Monday, saying it raised "serious questions".
Tensions exposed among Greens by 'Zionism is racism' conference vote
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