Green Party coalition ruled out by UK PM Burnham following antisemitic 'Zionism is racism' motion

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out any future coalition with the Green Party after it adopted a motion declaring Zionism racism. During Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham condemned the motion as antisemitic and said his government will not partner with a party holding that position. Green Party leader Zack Polanski accused Burnham of blurring criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out any future coalition with the Green Party following its adoption of the 'Zionism is racism' motion at its annual party conference. During Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Burnham was asked whether he would make it 'crystal clear' that he will rule out cooperating with the Greens. He responded by 'unequivocally' condemning the motion, calling it 'wrong' and 'antisemitic,' and stating that 'this side of the House will have nothing to do with it.' He added that the government cannot support a partnership with a party holding that position. Green Party leader Zack Polanski responded by accusing Burnham of 'dangerous and irresponsible blurring of challenging Israel and antisemitism,' and claimed Burnham 'still stands with Israel whilst it kills innocent people.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage published an op-ed calling on Labour to draw a red line and announce no electoral pacts with the Greens. The Green Party passed the motion at its conference in Brighton on October 4 by 1,022 votes to 813, becoming the first mainstream European party to declare itself openly anti-Zionist.