Councils Face Upheaval After Labour Threat to End Coalitions With Greens

Labour faces potential upheaval in local governance after threatening to end coalitions with the Greens over the party's recent motion declaring "Zionism is racism." Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s chair, announced on Thursday that Greens collaborating with Labour in local councils must explicitly reject the motion, or Labour will terminate existing power-sharing arrangements. The motion, passed at the Green party's annual conference on 4 October, equates Zionism with racism and calls for replacing Israel with a single Palestinian state. According to various media reports, between 17 and 19 councils could be impacted if Labour follows through on its warning. Sheffield City Council is among those at risk of collapse should Labour end its coalition with the Greens. Wealden Council, led by Green deputy leader Rachel Millward, may also be affected. The council is currently governed by a narrow majority formed by Greens and Liberal Democrats, with Labour contributing two councillors. Without Labour’s support, the alliance would lack a majority. Green leader Zack Polanski did not vote on the motion and sought amendments to reassure members attending Zionist synagogues. The motion passed with 1,022 votes to 813, representing 0.4% of the Green party membership. Four of the party's five MPs opposed the policy, and the European Greens expressed disappointment. Polanski later criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham on social media, accusing him of arming a genocide and locking up protesters. Prime Minister Burnham has condemned the motion as "antisemitic" and ruled out a national coalition with the Greens. He stated Labour would not support a partnership with a party adopting such a stance. A Green party spokesperson responded by calling Labour's stance "disappointing and wrong," arguing that attempting to dictate alliances is undemocratic. They also criticized Labour for allegedly supporting a genocide and detaining protesting pensioners. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has contacted the Green party to investigate whether the motion violates the Equality Act. Concerns raised include potential discrimination against Jewish individuals due to their beliefs. The EHRC acknowledged that Jewish people might feel vulnerable following the motion and emphasized the need for compliance with equality laws. Local Green councillors are unlikely to face disciplinary action if they oppose the motion, given the party's decentralized structure. Some MPs and former leaders, including Caroline Lucas, have already voiced their opposition. Southwark Greens have distanced themselves from the policy to maintain their coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The debate highlights tensions between Labour and the Greens over issues of antisemitism, Zionism, and the balance of power in local governance.