I won’t accept exclusion, says Polanski after backlash to Zionism motion
On Monday, a group of Labour MPs wrote two letters to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) – organised by former Home Office minister Mike Tapp – raising concerns about the motion, and amendments to protect Jewish members attending Zionist synagogues being voted down.
“Taken together, these developments raise serious questions about whether Jewish members can participate freely and equally in the party, and whether their religious and communal connections could expose them to complaints or disciplinary action,” their letter to the watchdog said.
The EHRC, which regulates equality law in Great Britain, previously found failings in how Labour handled antisemitism.
Responding to the letter, a Green Party spokesperson said: “We remain committed to upholding our own Code of Conduct and our duties under the Equality Act, and to ensuring the Green Party continues to be a safe place for all members.”
In a statement, the EHRC told the BBC it would “consider each complaint carefully” and had not at this stage launched an investigation.
It added: “We have guidance advising political parties on their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. Like all duty-bearers, political parties must comply with the Act and take steps to avoid discrimination.”
The European Green Party, of which the Green Party for England and Wales is a member, released a statement on Monday saying it wanted to “unequivocally distance” itself from the motion.
The umbrella body said it would “immediately demand clarity” from the party’s leadership on how they would protect Jewish people and self-determination.
Meanwhile, Green MP Ellie Chowns told Radio 4’s PM programme she was “deeply saddened” the motion had become party policy but disagreed it was antisemitic, saying it was underpinned by “principled opposition to the actions of the Israeli government”.
She suggested a review of Green policymaking processes was needed since “less than 1%” of the party’s more than 200,000 members had participated in the vote.
