Labour Rules Out Working With Greens After Zionism Vote 2026

Senior Labour figures have ruled out working with the Greens after the party adopted a policy treating Zionism as a form of racism. The move has sparked a political row and raised questions about future coalitions.

Labour Rules Out Future Cooperation with Greens

In a significant political development, senior Labour party figures have indicated it is very unlikely their party will cooperate with the Greens in the future. This comes after the Greens adopted a binding policy that treats Zionism as a form of racism and calls for a single Palestinian state in place of Israel. One Labour minister stated they could not foresee how the two parties could work together, while a government official suggested Labour should formally rule out any future coalition or arrangement.

Background: The Green Party's Controversial Vote

At the Green Party's conference on Sunday, members voted to adopt a policy that says Zionism should be treated as racism. The policy also calls for a single Palestinian state in place of Israel. This decision has been met with strong criticism from Labour figures, with Bridget Phillipson, the Labour chair, calling the move "shameful." She highlighted the importance of her party's efforts to tackle antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

Liberal Democrats Under Pressure

There is also pressure within the Liberal Democrats to end existing arrangements with Zack Polanski's party. Some senior Lib Dems are calling on the party to end its coalition with the Greens in Southwark, south London. This indicates that the fallout from the Green Party's vote is not limited to Labour but is causing ripples across the political spectrum.

Implications for Future Elections

The debate within Labour about whether to formally rule out any ties with the Greens, for example in a hung parliament, is ongoing. A source linked to the Jewish labour movement said Labour should "absolutely" rule out governing with the Greens, arguing the policy raised serious concerns. This suggests that the issue could have significant implications for future election strategies and coalition possibilities.

Key Takeaways

• Labour figures have ruled out future cooperation with the Greens after the latter adopted a policy treating Zionism as racism.
• The Green Party's vote has been condemned by Labour chair Bridget Phillipson as "shameful."
• Liberal Democrats are facing pressure to end coalitions with the Greens in local councils.
• The controversy could impact future coalition negotiations and election strategies.

Comparing Party Positions

FAQ

The political fallout from the Green Party's vote continues to unfold, with potential consequences for future alliances and electoral strategies.