UK Labour Ends Local Coalitions With Greens Over Zionism Policy
The UK Labour Party has ended power-sharing agreements with the Green Party in 11 local councils after the Greens adopted a policy defining Zionism as racism, sparking a major political crisis.
The UK Labour Party has announced the termination of its power-sharing agreements with the Green Party across 11 local councils nationwide following the Greens' adoption of a policy defining Zionism as racism.
The dramatic move follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the ruling party to its local partners. The crisis erupted last month when Green Party members passed a resolution stating that Zionism is an ideology supporting an ethno-national Jewish state in historical Palestine, while calling for a single democratic Palestinian state across the entire territory.
Response and Ultimatums
Labour Chair Bridget Phillipson stated that the Green policy crosses a red line, making cooperation impossible at any level of government. Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanded that local Greens disavow what he termed an antisemitic policy.
Following the expiration of the deadline, Labour's National Executive Committee reviewed responses and ended partnerships in key councils such as Sheffield, Warwick, and Lewes. Out of 18 authorities with existing agreements, only a small fraction met the demands to reject the resolution.
The Green Party expressed deep disappointment, accusing Labour of imposing top-down directives that disrupt public services. Green Leader Zack Polanski defended the resolution, arguing that Israeli policies toward Palestinians are based on racist ideology.
Local Impact and Repercussions
The collapse of the local partnerships is expected to affect hundreds of residents, potentially delaying budget approvals and major policy decisions. In Sheffield, home to approximately 550,000 residents, local Labour leader Fran Belbin announced plans to form a minority administration, accusing the Greens of refusing to stand with Jewish citizens.
Conversely, local Green leaders in Sheffield and Warwick refused to condemn the policy, denouncing the ultimatum as political intimidation.
