Equality watchdog asks Greens about impact of ‘Zionism is racism’ motion
The EHRC has sought information from the Green Party of England and Wales after complaints raised concerns about possible discrimination against Jewish people.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said on Thursday, 15 October, that it had written to the Green Party of England and Wales for information about the practical effects of its newly adopted ‘Zionism is racism’ motion. The request follows complaints alleging possible breaches of the Equality Act 2010, including discrimination against Jewish people because of their beliefs.
The watchdog said whether the party complies with the law is likely to depend on how the policy works in practice. It will assess the information it receives and take action where appropriate. Its request is an information-gathering step; the EHRC has announced no finding that the Greens acted unlawfully.
What the Greens say the motion changes
The motion passed at the party’s conference earlier in October and became Green Party policy. The BBC reported that it would not necessarily appear in the party’s next general election manifesto.
The Green Party said the motion expresses a political position and does not change its conditions of membership or internal disciplinary processes. It said its antisemitism guidance remains unchanged and that it is committed to tackling antisemitism and ensuring Jewish members feel welcome and respected.
Concerns from MPs and within the Green Party
The BBC reported that dozens of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, along with Jewish campaigners, wrote to the regulator after the conference vote. The EHRC said it recognised that many Jewish people would feel vulnerable following the motion. The complaints have prompted its request for information, but their legal implications remain undecided.
The vote has drawn criticism from senior Greens. According to the BBC, four of the party’s five MPs and two former leaders criticised the motion; one former leader called it ‘dangerous’ and ‘divisive’. The objections show that the policy is contested within the party as well as by those who complained to the watchdog.
Effect on Labour–Green council agreements
The Evening Standard reported that Labour had asked its council groups sharing power with the Greens to seek assurances that their partners condemned the motion. It said the instruction could affect 17 councils in England and one in Wales. The request puts the conference vote before local partners as the party responds to the separate questions raised by the EHRC.
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Sources and context
- Equality watchdog writes to Greens over 'Zionism is racism' motionBBC; report by Ewan Somerville, political reporter; image credited to PA Media
- Equalities watchdog writes to Green Party to probe impact of Zionism policyEvening Standard; report by David Lynch; PA Wire photo credit
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.