Polanski Rejects Exclusion Over Green Party Zionism Motion

Nine Labour MPs have referred the Green Party to Sussex Police, requesting an investigation into alleged antisemitic offences that may have taken place during the conference.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “We can confirm we have received a letter and are reviewing its contents to determine the appropriate next steps.”

This follows a growing backlash to the policy motion, which was introduced by activists at the party’s Brighton conference and passed by a margin of 1,022 votes to 813.

The motion states that “the real, material manifestation of Zionism has been the historic and ongoing dehumanisation, displacement, dispossession, disenfranchisement and destruction of Palestinians,” according to its authors.

The motion has highlighted tensions between the party’s expanded membership, led by Zack Polanski, and its MPs elected in the most recent general election.

Polanski did not participate in Sunday’s vote, while four of the party’s five MPs voted against the motion.

Israel’s foreign ministry subsequently banned Polanski from entering the country, and several Jewish groups have labelled the motion an “attack on the Jewish community.”

Following his initial refusal to comment, Polanski issued a detailed statement, affirming his responsibility “to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome in our party.”

As leader, he added, “I will not accept any exclusion or refusal to engage with anyone based on their religious or communal affiliation.”

He emphasized that the party and its leadership uphold the “deeply held values of compassion, fairness, and equality for all.”

Polanski, who is Jewish, further stressed that “antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct.”

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