Equalities watchdog probes Green Party with antisemitism concerns after 'Zionism is racism' policy

The body is now urging the party to provide more information about the "practical implications and potential impact" of the motion after it received complaints under the Equality Act.

The "Zionism is racism" policy has been widely criticised as antisemitic, including by Andy Burnham, who has now issued an ultimatum to its local parties.

Party leader Zack Polanski, who failed to secure a seat in the Commons at the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, did not vote on the policy.

In a statement on Thursday, a spokesman for the EHRC 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."

The watchdog also urged all parties to consider their responsibilities not to discriminate against people based on protected characteristics, like their race or religion, through policies and practices they adopt.

But the spokesman added that for the Green Party's latest policy, compliance with the Equality Act was "likely to hinge on the practical effects of the motion".

The Green Party said it "will not discriminate against or exclude people for holding Zionist views".

A spokesman for the party added: "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 antisemitism 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."

On October 7, the three-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, the Campaign Against Antisemitism referred the Green Party to the EHRC.

Chief executive of the antisemitism awareness group Gideon Falter declared it would not "not stand idly by as extremists hijack a political party and make antisemitism its openly stated policy", and described the motion as "racist and unlawful".

In 2020, Labour was found to be responsible for "unlawful" acts of harassment and discrimination under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

The Government's independent adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann, warned the Green Party's motion had gone "well beyond anything ever tried under Jeremy Corbyn".

Members of the Green Party have spoken out against the policy, with Welsh Deputy leader Phillip Davies standing down over it.

Green MP and leader of the party in the Commons, Ellie Chowns, said she was now calling on Mr Polanski to "step up" but did not call for his resignation, while former leader Caroline Lucas urged him to show "leadership" and did not definitively back him.