The Green Party has left British Jews ‘feeling vulnerable’ after passing a controversial ‘Zionism is racism’ motion, the equalities watchdog has said.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to Zack Polanski‘s party to demand more information over the policy motion backed by Green members.
The watchdog revealed it had received complaints alleging breaches of equality laws in the wake of the sesimic vote at the Greens’ conference earlier this month.
It added it would ‘assess the information provided carefully’ and look at the potential practical impact of the motion.
The EHRC’s letter comes amid an ongoing backlash at the events at the Greens’ gathering in Brighton.
Earlier on Thursday, Labour warned it could scrap power-sharing deals with the Greens on local councils amid the anti-Semitism crisis engulfing Mr Polanski’s party.
Labour is currently in coalition with the Greens on local councils in Sheffield, Lewes and Warwick, while, in more than 10 other areas, Labour run the council with the Greens as part of a broader coalition.
All local Labour groups currently sharing power with the Greens are now being urged to review their arrangements and obtain assurances from their Green counterparts.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to Zack Polanski’s party to demand more information over the policy motion backed by Green members
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday ruled out a national partnership with the Greens following their passing of the ‘anti-Semitic’ motion
They are being ordered to seek a ‘clear and unambiguous statement’ that local Greens reject the ‘Zionism is racism’ stance.
Labour councillors are also being told to get confirmation that local Green groups will call on their party’s national leadership to rethink the motion.
Local Green groups are being given a seven-day deadline to respond. They have been warned that their power-sharing arrangements with Labour will be axed if the conditions are not met.
Whether or not the Greens have complied with the Equality Act will likely ‘hinge on the practical effects of the motion’, the EHRC said, as it revealed it had written to the party.
A spokesperson said: ‘We have written to the Green Party of England and Wales about its recently adopted ‘Zionism is racism’ motion to ask for more information and assess its practical implications and potential impact.
‘We have received complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010, including concerns that Jewish people could face discrimination because of their beliefs following the adoption of the motion.
‘As with every complaint we receive, we will assess the information provided carefully and following that consideration take action where appropriate.
‘We recognise that many Jewish people will be feeling vulnerable following the party’s motion.
‘Political parties, like all duty-bearers, must comply with the Equality Act and take steps to avoid discrimination including on the grounds of race, religion or belief.
‘We have guidance advising parties on their responsibilities under the Act and urge them to consider it.
‘This could include reviewing party policies, practices or their application to identify areas of potential discrimination, harassment or victimisation that need to be addressed.
‘In the case of the Green Party motion, compliance with the Equality Act is likely to hinge on the practical effects of the motion.
‘We also recognise the right to freedom of expression is fundamental to our democracy and must be protected, even when dealing with complex and sensitive issues.
‘The right to freedom of expression and the right to be free from discrimination are not mutually exclusive and must be considered together.
‘We urge those in positions of authority to balance these rights appropriately and respectfully.’
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday ruled out a national partnership with the Greens following their passing of the ‘anti-Semitic’ motion.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Burnham told MPs that Labour ‘cannot support a partnership with a party that holds the position that has recently been adopted’.
‘I condemn the motion that was passed unequivocally,’ the PM added. ‘It is wrong, it is anti-Semitic, and this side of the House will have nothing to do with it.’
Mr Burnham’s comments sparked questions about Labour’s approach to the Greens at a local level and their slew of power-sharing deals on councils.
On Thursday, Labour announced they were requiring all local parties to write to their local Greens to give them the opportunity to disown the policy.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said: ‘The PM has been completely clear: this policy is wrong and anti-Semitic, and has no place in British politics.
‘Where local Labour parties currently have an arrangement with the Greens in local government, we expect their Green counterparts to make clear that they reject this position and to call on their national leadership to reconsider the policy.
‘We have asked local Green groups to respond as a matter of urgency. Where they are unable to provide that assurance, Labour will bring any such local arrangement to an end.
‘This isn’t an issue of party politics; it’s about doing what is right and upholding the values anyone holding public office should share.
‘The Labour Party fought hard to address anti-Semitism within our own party and ensure it had no place in our politics.
‘We have a responsibility to uphold those same standards in our relationships with other parties.’
A vote by Green members at their conference in Brighton saw the party support the ‘Zionism is racism’.
A storm of criticism has seen the motion described as an ‘attack’ on the Jewish community and the Greens branded ‘an extremist party’.
Opponents also claim the motion effectively calls for the eradication of Israel as it refers only to a single Palestinian state.
Mr Polanski, the Green leader, controversially skipped the conference vote on the motion on 4 October in order to campaign ahead of last week’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
His decision to focus on his bid to become an MP rather than remain in Brighton saw him accused of a ‘lack of leadership’ by critics from within his own party.
Mr Polanski then went on to lose the contest in the north London constituency to Labour, which added to questions over his leadership of the Greens.
Karen Newman, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: ‘We strongly welcome Labour’s decision to end arrangements with Greens in local government unless they can give assurances of their rejection of the anti-Semitic platform the Green Party has recently adopted.
‘This comes on the back of the PM’s important confirmation that there could be no coalition with the Green Party under its current policy.
‘It is right that parties in positions of power should be held to clear standards. Labour’s position – that it cannot work with Greens while this racist motion is in place – is the correct one.
‘This is a commitment we have been pressing for, and we are urging other mainstream parties to take the same clear and principled stand.’
A Green Party spokesperson said: ‘The Green Party will not discriminate against or exclude people for holding Zionist views.
‘The motion passed at conference sets out a political position. It has no impact on membership conditions or internal disciplinary processes.
‘We are a democratic party with a strong culture of open debate and disagreement.
‘Members do not have to agree with every party policy, and differences of opinion are a normal and healthy aspect of party democracy.
‘The party’s comprehensive anti-Semitism guidance, which forms part of our framework of ethics, remains unchanged.
‘We remain committed to tackling antisemitism and ensuring Jewish members feel welcome and respected.’
The Greens also said Labour’s decision to tell local Labour groups to pull out of coalitions if their Green Party partners do not reject its ‘Zionism is racism’ policy was undemocratic.
The party spokesperson said: ‘For the Labour Government to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism is disappointing and wrong.
‘Trying to tell local parties what to do and who they can work with is undemocratic.
‘Whilst Labour continue to try to meddle in our internal democracy, arm a genocide and lock up protesting pensioners, we will not take lectures from them.’
In response to Mr Burnham’s comments at PMQs on Wednesday, Mr Polanski posted on X: ‘I’m the only Jewish leader of a political party.
‘I’m a victim of anti-Semitism every day and I’ve made it clear Jewish people are welcome in my party.
‘You’re a Prime Minister who arms a genocide and locks pensioners up for opposing it.’