Greenwich councillors reject Green Party’s ‘Zionism is racism’ stance
A cross-party motion condemning the Green Party's position was unanimously backed by councillors.
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Greenwich councillors have unanimously backed a motion that rejects the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' stance. The decision was made at a full council meeting on Wednesday night following contributions from members of the borough's Jewish community who described experiencing antisemitism.
The cross-party motion was put forward by Labour council leader Anthony Okereke and supported by Conservative leader Charlie Davis. It aimed to address concerns raised by the Green Party's position, which was approved by its membership earlier in October.
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Testimony from Jewish residents
Michelle Brooks-Evans, chair of Bromley Reform Synagogue, spoke at the meeting about antisemitic incidents affecting her family. She recounted how her daughter found swastikas drawn on her school books and her son was subjected to verbal abuse at university. Ms Brooks-Evans stated that many Jewish residents no longer felt the same sense of safety and belonging in the borough.
During Ms Brooks-Evans's address, an individual in the public gallery displayed a sign stating: “I live in Greenwich. I am Jewish. I believe Zionism is racism”. Council officers confiscated the sign. Cllr Matt Hartley, former Conservative leader, criticised the display as “intimidating” and “offensive”.
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Concerns over division and safety
The Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum issued a statement agreeing with the council's motion. The forum stated: “We do not agree with this [Green Party] motion and are concerned that it risks deepening division and undermining the sense of safety and belonging of Jewish people.”
Rabbi Ephraim Carlebach from Greenwich & Docklands Chabad urged residents to oppose racism and hatred. He noted that words possess the power to both divide and unite communities.
Green Party's response and legal action
Lubna Speitan, who proposed the Green Party's motion, questioned the council's actions. Ms Speitan stated: “Whatever motion Labour tables will not change the fact that Zionism is racist or that Green Party members passed this policy democratically.” She is a founding member of Greenwich Palestine Alliance and has initiated legal action against Greenwich Council regarding its investments in companies with interests in Israel.
Ms Speitan described the council's motion as “misleading, false and divisive” and claimed the Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum excluded “anti-Zionist Jews, Muslims and many other faith groups”. She also stated that conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism is antisemitic and referred to Israel as a “racist apartheid settler colony committing genocide”.
Cllr Tamasin Rhymes, the Green opposition leader, confirmed her group would support the council's motion, citing the Green Party's commitment to the Equality and Equity Charter and the need to uphold the Equality Act 2010. She also referenced civilian deaths in Gaza.
Following the meeting, Ms Speitan shouted at councillors about the feelings of Palestinians in the borough and called for “Free Palestine” as she was escorted out by security.
Councillor Okereke stated that the Green Party motion had “triggered worry and concern” and that the council's motion commits them to tackling all forms of hatred within the community.
Questions this report answers
+What decision did Greenwich councillors make regarding the Green Party's stance?
Greenwich councillors unanimously backed a motion rejecting the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' stance. This decision was made at a full council meeting on Wednesday night.
+Why did councillors reject the Green Party's motion?
The rejection followed emotional testimony from Jewish residents who described experiencing antisemitism. The Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum also expressed concern that the Green Party's motion risked deepening division and undermining Jewish safety.
+Who proposed and seconded the cross-party motion?
The cross-party motion was proposed by Labour council leader Anthony Okereke and seconded by Conservative leader Charlie Davis. It was supported by councillors from Labour, Conservatives, and the Green Party.
+What actions has Lubna Speitan taken?
Lubna Speitan, who proposed the Green Party's motion, has instigated legal action against Greenwich Council. This action challenges the council's investments in companies with interests in Israel.
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