Enfield Green councillors split over anti-Zionism motion
Three of the borough's five Green councillors voted against the national party's controversial conference decision.
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Enfield Green councillor Aziz Yildiz has stated he does not support a recent motion passed by the national Green Party that condemns Zionism. The motion, adopted on 4 October 2026 at the party's conference in Brighton, declared the party formally anti-Zionist and called for a single Palestinian state in historic Palestine. The vote saw 1,022 members in favour and 813 against. Councillor Yildiz, representing Ponders End, confirmed in a statement that he did not participate in the vote but added, 'Had I participated, I would have voted against the motion.'
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Sarah Jons, leader of Enfield Council's five-strong Green group, confirmed she voted against the motion. She was joined by fellow councillors Laura Davenport and Madeline Church. Speaking in a personal capacity, Councillor Jons stated that while the group respects the conference's decision, they retain the right to disagree with party policy. Councillor Yildiz reiterated his opposition to the motion, stating, 'I support the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and with equal rights, including the Palestinian people’s right to independence and self-determination. I oppose antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism and discrimination.'
The national Green Party's stance has generated controversy. The party stated its motion opposes Zionism as an ethno-nationalist project and that anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism. However, critics argue that denying Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state is inherently antisemitic. The United Nations and the UK government advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a position that contrasts with the motion's call for a single state.
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Former leader of Enfield Council and current leader of the Labour opposition group, Ergin Erbil, described the Green Party's motion as 'irresponsible'. He stated that the decision would 'do nothing to bring about peace'. Councillor Ratip Alsulaiman, another Green councillor in Enfield, has not yet publicly shared his views on the motion.
Questions this report answers
+What was the Green Party's anti-Zionism motion?
The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a motion on 4 October 2026 at its conference in Brighton. It formally established the party as anti-Zionist and called for a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine. The vote was 1,022 in favour to 813 against.
+How did Enfield's Green councillors react to the motion?
Enfield Green group leader Sarah Jons, along with councillors Laura Davenport and Madeline Church, voted against the motion. Councillor Aziz Yildiz stated he would have voted against it had he participated. Councillor Ratip Alsulaiman has not yet commented.
+What was the response from other local politicians?
Former Enfield council leader Ergin Erbil, now leading the Labour opposition, called the motion 'irresponsible'. He stated that the decision would 'do nothing to bring about peace' and was made without consultation.
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