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Andy Burnham rules out coalition with Greens over 'antisemitic' Zionism motion
Overview
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the Labour Party will not form a partnership with the Green Party while it maintains a policy defining Zionism as a form of racism. Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Burnham condemned the Green Party motion as 'wrong' and 'antisemitic'. The motion, passed by Green members at a recent party conference, describes Zionism as an ethnonationalist ideology. While criticized by Jewish groups, several Green MPs, and former leaders, the policy's adoption has also sparked internal calls from Green figures to reform the party's policy-making structures.
Key points
- Andy Burnham announced he will not support a Labour partnership with the Green Party due to its policy defining Zionism as racism.
- Burnham condemned the motion during Prime Minister's Questions, labeling it 'wrong' and 'antisemitic'.
- The controversial motion was backed by Green Party members at their conference earlier in the month, passing by 1,022 votes to 813.
- The motion has faced criticism from Jewish groups, four Green MPs, and two former party leaders.
- Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended parts of the motion regarding Palestinian displacement, though he admitted the motion was 'imperfect'.