Zack Polanski's Green Party reported to police over 'Zionism is racism' motion
Zack Polanski’s Green Party has been reported to the police after it voted to declare that “Zionism is racism” at its party conference in Brighton.
A group of Labour MPs have now written to Sussex Police, asking the force to “secure the relevant evidence and assess whether a criminal investigation is warranted” into the party.
In letters shared on social media, the nine MPs also asked Sussex Police to investigate alleged behaviour at the conference.
They cited the “reported rejection of protections for members affiliated with synagogues and Jewish organisations, and the reported exclusionary chanting” as grounds for inquiries.
In a separate letter, a larger group of 16 lawmakers asked the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to “consider opening a formal investigation under section 20 of the Equality Act 2006”.
Former migration minister Mike Tapp and chair of Labour Friends of Israel, Mark Sewards, were among the signatories of both letters.
On Sunday, the Green Party passed the motion, which defined "Zionism is racism", 1,022 to 813 and adopted it without substantive amendment.
It defines Zionism as an “ethnonationalist political project” and states that opposition to Zionism, the belief in Jewish self-determination and statehood, should not be equated with antisemitism.
“This is an official party policy with potential implications for its members,” the MPs wrote in their letter to Sussex Police.
The nine lawmakers also asked inquiries to be made into reports “delegates rejected an amendment intended to protect members against pressure or disciplinary action because of their affiliations with synagogues and Jewish organisations identifying as Zionist".
“The rejected safeguard is particularly relevant because it specifically concerned synagogues and Jewish communal organisations," they added. "It therefore raises questions about the treatment of Jewish people and institutions in Britain."
They also highlighted allegations of Green Party supporters chanting “say it loud, say it clear, Zionists are not welcome here”.
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“Our concern is whether the term ‘Zionist’ was used, in this setting, to direct or encourage hostility towards Jewish people,” the MPs wrote.
The MPs asked officers to consider Sections 18 and 19 of the Public Order Act 1986, which cover the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour where there is an intention to stir up racial hatred, or where racial hatred is likely to be stirred up.
They also asked police to consider separate provisions covering the stirring up of religious hatred under Part 3A of the Act, as well as any other relevant public-order or harassment offences.
“We request a prompt review by an officer experienced in assessing hate crime,” the letter continued.
“We believe the evidence provides a concrete basis for this complaint and warrants a substantive police response. If you decide against further action, we would welcome an explanation of that decision.
“Jewish people are entitled to the protection of the law, including when the conduct complained of occurs in a political setting.
“We ask for a thorough assessment of these events and appropriate action where the evidence establishes an offence,” the letter read.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police told GB News: “We can confirm we have received a letter and are reviewing its contents to determine the appropriate next steps.”
The Green Party’s motion sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with a No10 spokesman branding the move a “shameful vote against a two-state solution”.
Jewish Greens leader Vivien Lichtenstein slammed the motion and admitted it was now “possible” she could leave the party.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski did not take part in Sunday's vote but released a statement after the motion passed.
“Antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct – blurring the line between the two is not only wrong but antisemitic, and makes Jewish people less safe,” he said.
“It’s our role as a movement for justice to protect both the rights of Palestinians and our Jewish communities here in the UK.
“As leader, I will not accept any exclusion or refusal to engage with anyone, because of the religious or communal body they are part of.
“I am proud of our party’s principled position on fighting for freedom and justice for Palestinians."
GB News has approached the Green Party for comment.
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