Labour Ends Power-Sharing With Greens Over Zionism Policy

The Labour Party terminated power-sharing agreements with the Green Party in 11 English local councils, including Sheffield, Warwick, Lewes, and Runnymede. The decision follows the Green Party's adoption of a policy at its national conference last month stating that "Zionism is racism" and calling for a single Palestinian state to replace Israel.

Labour Chair Bridget Phillipson stated the policy "crosses a line," while Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the motion as "antisemitic." Burnham ruled out any future national coalition with the Greens as long as the policy remains in place. Cooperation continues in six other councils where local Green groups explicitly disavowed the national motion.

The Green Party expressed disappointment, arguing that national directives are disrupting local services and jeopardizing successful partnerships. The conflict has exposed internal rifts within the Green Party, with some senior figures urging a policy revision to prevent a "hard left" takeover, though leader Zack Polanski defended the motion's premise.