Barnet Council condemns Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' stance
A motion reaffirming that 'Antisemitism is racism' passed with overwhelming support from councillors.
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Barnet Council has passed a motion condemning the Green Party's resolution that 'Zionism is racism'. The council's own motion, 'Antisemitism is racism', was approved by 58 votes to one at a full council meeting on Tuesday, 20th. The decision follows the Green Party of England and Wales adopting a motion titled 'Zionism is racism' at its annual conference on Sunday, 4th October.
The Green Party's adopted policy formally established the party as 'an anti-Zionist party' and called for a 'single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine'. This position contrasts with the UK government and United Nations' advocacy for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Council leader moves motion
Barnet's council leader, Barry Rawlings, put forward the 'Antisemitism is racism' motion. He stated the move was necessary to condemn the Green Party's vote and to reaffirm the council's commitment to ensuring Jewish residents feel safe, welcome, respected, and able to participate fully in community and civic life. Councillor Rawlings indicated that both Labour and Conservative councillors had gauged concern through numerous emails and conversations with Jewish residents and leaders of Jewish organisations.
However, the motion faced some opposition during the meeting. Beau Sebastian, a member of Barnet Greens and Jewish Greens, described himself as an 'observant, anti-Zionist Jew'. He told councillors that his views on Zionism were formed from personal experience in the West Bank and extensive reading, not from slogans. Sebastian argued that Jewish people are not a monolith, with varying views on Zionism, and that the Green Party's motion aimed to protect Palestinians without undermining Jewish people's rights.
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Councillor Charli Thompson, Barnet's sole Green councillor, stated that the claims made in Councillor Rawlings' motion contained 'highly inaccurate' information. She argued that motions should be based on accurate data and requested that inaccuracies be removed. The council's legal officer confirmed that the motion had been reviewed and was not considered improper.
The motion was ultimately approved by councillors, with 58 votes in favour and one vote against. The meeting took place at Hendon Town Hall.
Questions this report answers
+What did Barnet Council decide regarding the Green Party's policy?
Barnet Council passed a motion stating 'Antisemitism is racism'. This motion was put forward to condemn the Green Party of England and Wales' recent resolution titled 'Zionism is racism', which was adopted at their annual conference.
+How did the councillors vote on the motion?
The motion 'Antisemitism is racism' was approved by Barnet councillors with a significant majority. There were 58 votes in favour of the motion and only one vote against it during the full council meeting.
+Who put forward the motion condemning the Green Party's stance?
The motion 'Antisemitism is racism' was put forward by Barnet's council leader, Barry Rawlings. He stated that the motion was necessary to condemn the Green Party's policy and to reaffirm the council's commitment to its Jewish residents.
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