The Board of Deputies will vote this Sunday on a motion to declare the Green Party racist after party members passed the controversial “Zionism is Racism” motion earlier this month.
The Greens’ motion was voted through on October 4 by 1,022 in favour to 813 against, making it official party policy, but has since received cross-party condemnation as well as the threat of legal action under the Equality Act.
Now, the Board will vote on whether the Green Party itself is racist, with the motion being proposed by deputy Max Royston and deputy Ashley Hirst.
Royston told the JC: “Ashley Hirst and I tabled this motion because the Board had to stop condemning and start naming. I’m glad it now goes to deputies with the Executive’s support.
“The Greens didn’t stumble into this. They debated it, voted on it, and made it policy. Racism by show of hands.
“The Board has already called that policy antisemitic. A party with an antisemitic policy is a racist party. That isn’t escalation. It’s plain English.
“Statements get read and forgotten. A formal finding from the Board of Deputies doesn’t. Every party, council and candidate will have to decide where they stand.
“The Greens wanted a conversation about racism. On Sunday, the Board finishes it.”
Hirst said: “Since joining the Board I’ve met many others keen to make sure the community’s voice is heard loudly and clearly.
“Max and I worked together to make sure we communicate the community’s justified expectation that UK political parties stand up for British Jews.”
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