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Tag: Green Party

Politicsdomestic

Polanski keeps Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' motion

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed that he will not overturn a controversial motion passed by party members declaring Zionism a form of racism. Despite facing substantial backlash, Polanski stated the policy will remain in place until at least 2028 due to party rules. The motion, which also backs a single democratic state in historic Palestine and an arms embargo on Israel, sparked widespread criticism from Jewish campaigners, government officials, and MPs. Polanski defended respecting the democratic will of the party members while expressing a desire to seek future amendments.

Politicsdomestic

Green Party MP wants to ensure protection from extremists

Green Party Westminster leader Ellie Chowns stated that the party must ensure it is not vulnerable to extremists and racists following a controversial motion passed by activists. The policy, which claimed Zionism was racism, has divided senior figures and drawn criticism from Jewish organizations. Chowns called it a significant and damaging policy and pledged to work on reforming party structures.

Politicsdomestic

Zack Polanski Vows to Stay as Green Leader Despite Defeat and Row

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has firmly stated he will remain in his position following a by-election defeat in Holborn and St Pancras, where he finished second to Labour. This comes amid intense internal pressure and calls for his resignation from figures including the head of the Jewish Greens. The calls for resignation follow a controversial party conference motion declaring Zionism a form of racism, a vote Polanski skipped. Critics, including former leader Caroline Lucas, argued his absence demonstrated a lack of necessary leadership on the issue.

Politicsdomestic

Zack Polanski Vows to Stay as Green Leader Amid Mounting Criticism

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has firmly rejected calls to resign following a by-election defeat in Holborn and St Pancras and intense internal backlash. Criticism has mounted from prominent figures within the party, including former leader Caroline Lucas and the head of the Jewish Greens, Vivien Lichtenstein, over a controversial conference motion regarding Zionism. Polanski defended his absence from the vote, citing intensive by-election campaigning. While he acknowledged the difficult week and a loss to Labour, he insisted his movement is larger than a single election or motion, aiming to remain in his position until the next scheduled leadership ballot in 2027.

Politicsdomestic

Zack Polanski faces greatest crisis of his leadership

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is currently facing intense political pressure and the most severe crisis of his tenure. This comes in the wake of a recent by-election defeat in Holborn and St Pancras and ongoing controversy surrounding a party motion regarding Zionism. Despite the Greens achieving a significant swing and a strong runner-up performance, the loss and internal party disputes have left Polanski scrambling to defend his leadership and maintain momentum.

Politicsdomestic

Polanski defends Green leadership after Zionism row and by-election

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is facing heavy criticism from senior party figures, including former leader Caroline Lucas, over his handling of a controversial member motion that declared Zionism a form of racism. Critics argue that his response lacked decisive leadership and failed to properly protect Jewish members. Despite the internal uproar and a recent by-election loss in Holborn and St Pancras where the party finished second to Labour, Polanski has firmly defended his position. He announced he has no intention of stepping down and insisted that the Green Party remains inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths.

Politicsdomestic

Labour sees off Green challenge to win Holborn by-election

The Labour Party has successfully defended its territory by winning the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in north London. Sagal Abdi-Wali secured the victory after a closely watched contest. The race drew significant attention due to a strong challenge mounted by Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Despite the heightened pressure, Labour managed to hold onto the crucial seat.

Politicsdomestic

Ex-Green leader Lucas criticizes Polanski over Zionism motion

Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has criticized current leader Zack Polanski for failing to show leadership during a contentious party conference vote. Members recently passed a motion defining Zionism as an ethnonationalist ideology and a form of racism. Polanski left the conference early to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election and did not vote on the motion. Lucas described the policy as dangerous and divisive, adding that the jury is out on whether Polanski can mend internal party divisions.

Politicsdomestic

Burnham urges Polanski to reverse Green Party Zionism motion

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly intervened in the Green Party controversy, calling on leader Zack Polanski to reverse a contentious motion passed by members at their Brighton conference. The motion, which defined Zionism as racism and backed a single Palestinian state, has sparked widespread internal division and sharp criticism from senior figures, including former leader Caroline Lucas. As polls close in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election where Polanski is running, the political fallout has significantly complicated the final days of his campaign.

Politicsdomestic

Greens investigate party member behind Zionism motion

The Green Party has initiated an internal investigation into party member Lubna Speitan after revelations emerged regarding her appearance in court documents as a close friend of a man later jailed for supporting al-Qaeda. Speitan was the driving force behind a contentious party conference motion describing Zionism as a form of racism. Speitan, a British-Palestinian artist, strongly rejected the claims, calling them a distraction from discussions surrounding racism, Zionism, and the situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Green Party maintains that internal processes are underway to evaluate members whose actions or views conflict with organizational values.

Politicsdomestic

Greens face conference centre ban over Zionism motion

The Green Party of England and Wales faces a potential ban from holding future conferences at the Brighton Centre after passing a controversial motion regarding Zionism. Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey stated that the motion was divisive and incompatible with the city's inclusion commitments. Sankey criticized the decision, arguing that it dangerously conflated Jewish self-determination with the actions of the Israeli government. The council is now considering refusing future bookings for the party at the city-owned venue.

Politicsforeign

Ex-Welsh Green Party deputy says Zionism motion 'pointless'

Phil Davies, the former deputy leader of the Welsh Green Party, has resigned from the party following the passage of a controversial motion declaring 'Zionism is racism'. Davies criticized the move as pointless and idiotic, arguing that it fails to improve the lives of Palestinians. The motion, which became party policy on Sunday, calls for a single democratic Palestinian state across all of historic Palestine. The decision has sparked severe backlash, including an entry ban on Green leader Zack Polanski by Israel and accusations of an attack on the Jewish community from various groups. Davies announced his departure after seven years of membership, stating that the focus on such resolutions is imperialistic and does not achieve anything meaningful in the real world. Several politicians and organizations have also raised formal concerns regarding the party's new stance.

Politicsdomestic

Green Party member linked to al-Qaeda supporter in court documents

Lubna Speitan, a Green Party member who recently proposed a motion labeling Zionism as racism, has been identified in 2015 court documents as a close friend of a convicted al-Qaeda supporter. Speitan had offered to testify for Minh Quang Pham, who was sentenced to 40 years in the US for his involvement with the terrorist group. The revelation has sparked controversy within the Green Party and among Jewish advocacy groups. While the party states it is investigating the matter, the connection has intensified criticism regarding the party's recent policy shift concerning Israel and Zionism.

Politicsdomestic

Polanski vows no exclusion in Green Party after Zionism motion backlash

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has stated he will not accept the exclusion of any member based on their faith or communal ties following a controversial conference vote. The party recently adopted a motion defining Zionism as racism and supporting a single democratic Palestinian state. The decision has triggered immediate political fallout, including referrals of the party to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Sussex Police by Labour MPs. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry banned Polanski from entering the country, highlighting deep divisions within the party.

Politicsdomestic

Polanski rejects exclusion after Green Party Zionism motion

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has stated that he will not tolerate the exclusion of any member based on their community or religious background. This follows widespread criticism over a newly adopted party motion that defines Zionism as a form of racism. Labour MPs and the European Greens have voiced significant concerns, demanding clarity from the party leadership. Polanski emphasized that no individual should feel unwelcome due to their faith or where they worship.

Politicsdomestic

Jewish Greens chair considers leaving party over Zionism motion

The chair of Jewish Greens, Vivien Lichtenstein, stated it is possible she will leave the UK Green Party after members adopted a controversial motion declaring Zionism a form of racism. The resolution also calls for a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, dividing senior party figures and drawing condemnation from Jewish organizations. Lichtenstein criticized the motion for lacking practical help for Palestinians and crossing a line by failing to properly consult Jewish members. Meanwhile, party leader Zack Polanski's proposed amendments to protect Jewish members were defeated during the conference vote.

Water system a 'disaster', Green deputy leader says
Politics

Water system a 'disaster', Green deputy leader says

Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward has described the UK's water system as an 'unmitigated disaster' due to decades of underinvestment. She criticized the government's current plans for reform as insufficient and reiterated the party's long-standing demand for full nationalization of water companies. Millward emphasized that the Green Party aims to influence the national agenda, pushing for bolder policies including wealth taxes and rent controls. While confident on national policy, she faced challenges addressing specific local council issues during recent media interviews.