Labour could end local coalitions with Greens over Zionism policy
The UK Labour Party has issued an ultimatum to local Green Party groups to disown a policy labeling Zionism as racism or face the termination of power-sharing agreements. The Green Party has criticized the move as undemocratic interference in local governance.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights deep ideological tensions regarding the Middle East within UK politics and the fragility of local coalition governments.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sheffield is one of the areas where Labour currently shares power with the Greens
Labour has said it will end power-sharing agreements with the Green Party on local councils, unless its councillors disown the party's newly-adopted policy that Zionism is a form of racism.
Labour says it will give local Green groups seven days to confirm they reject the policy, which was recently approved by Green members at its party conference.
Labour says its ultimatum applies to 19 councils where it shares power with the Greens, either directly or alongside other parties.
The Greens hit back at the move, accusing Labour of meddling and arguing it would be undemocratic for the party to "tell local parties what to do".
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