AI-written summary of reporting by BBC News. No human editor reviewed this. AI can misread or omit facts — read the original, linked below.
ABSTRACT

Andy Burnham, the prime minister, called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski on Thursday to reverse a motion passed by members of his party declaring Zionism a form of racism, saying the motion was "completely wrong" and showed "terrible judgement". The motion, approved on Sunday at the party's conference in Brighton, defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and backed "a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine", which includes modern-day Israel.

BBC News

Burnham calls on Green leader Polanski to reverse Zionism motion

Burnham calls on Green leader Polanski to reverse Zionism motion
Oct 8, 2026, 5:00 PM

Andy Burnham, the prime minister, called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski on Thursday to reverse a motion passed by members of his party declaring Zionism a form of racism, saying the motion was "completely wrong" and showed "terrible judgement". The motion, approved on Sunday at the party's conference in Brighton, defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and backed "a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine", which includes modern-day Israel.

Context

Burnham made the comments on a visit to Berlin, in his first intervention in the row on Thursday, according to the source.

The motion sparked days of controversy, with four of the five Green MPs opposing it, its co-deputy leaders split on supporting it, the Green deputy leader in Wales resigning, and condemnation from members and Green counterparts in Europe. Polanski did not vote on the motion, having left the conference early to return to London for the by-election campaign. An amendment he had backed, to specify that the motion should not be used to discipline Jewish members attending synagogues that consider themselves Zionist, was voted down by members.

The Green Party has an internal democracy model under which official party policy is decided by members. These positions are not necessarily included in the party's general election manifestos.

Polls closed in Thursday's Holborn and St Pancras by-election, in which Polanski is a candidate. The Greens have been looking to overturn a substantial Labour majority in the seat vacated by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The International Court of Justice is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa that accuses Israeli forces of genocide, but it could take years to reach a conclusion.

All Perspectives
Andy Burnham, prime minister: Burnham said the motion was "completely wrong" and showed "terrible judgement". He said he felt the motion effectively ruled out a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, and said: "For that reason, it shouldn't be supported in any way, shape or form." He added: "I would call on the leadership of the Green Party to say that it will be reversed and it won't be Green Party policy." Asked whether he would rule out entering into a coalition with the party, he would not be drawn on "any business about what might or might not happen in the future".
Zack Polanski, Green Party leader: In a statement on Monday, Polanski said he would not accept anyone being excluded from the Green Party "because of the religious or communal body they are part of", and did not specify whether he supported the motion. Before the vote, he had said he wanted the reference to a single Palestinian state changed, arguing: "I don't believe we as a Green Party of England and Wales, or even the British government, should be deciding what the future settlement looks like."
Green Party spokesperson: A Green Party spokesperson said on Thursday: "This has been an emotive issue and is complex. It has rightly caused much discussion, and needs to be taken in the context that Israel's behaviour has had." The spokesperson said: "Israel has been responsible for a genocide, ethnic cleansing and the killing of children, and we've had a political establishment which has not only turned a blind eye but provided support."
Green Party members who passed the motion: The motion approved by members on Sunday defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and backed "a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine", which includes modern-day Israel.
Israel: Israel has called the case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice "wholly unfounded" and based on "biased and false claims".
Gaps & Unknowns
  • The source does not state the result of Thursday's Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
  • The source does not state whether the Green Party leadership will reverse the motion as Burnham called for.
  • The source does not name the Green deputy leader in Wales who resigned, nor state which of the party's co-deputy leaders supported the motion and which opposed it.
  • The source does not state how many Green Party members voted for or against the motion or against the amendment.
  • The source does not explain the leadership change implied by describing Andy Burnham as prime minister and Sir Keir Starmer as a former prime minister.
  • The source does not state when the International Court of Justice case brought by South Africa is expected to conclude beyond saying it could take years.
Sources & Further Reading
  1. BBC News — original

Read the original at BBC News

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