The leader of Southwark Council's Green group has distanced himself from a motion agreed by members at the national Green Party conference on Sunday, October 4, according to Southwark News.

Key points

  • National vote — Green Party members backed a motion opposing Zionism by 1022 to 813.
  • Local response — Southwark's Green and Lib Dem leaders published a joint statement rejecting antisemitism.
  • Criticism — Labour figures said the statement was weak and demanded clarity.

In a letter seen by Southwark News, Council Leader James McAsh said he and his executive do not back the motion, adding that he did not think it should have been approved. Deputy Leader Victor Chamberlain, a Liberal Democrat, said on X that he had been deeply troubled by the vote and condemned it outright.

The motion describes Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and says anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism. It also commits the national party to supporting a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights for all, and affirms the right of return for Palestinians and their descendants.

In their joint statement, McAsh and Chamberlain said the council administration believes in a future where Palestinians, Israelis and all communities can live in freedom, security and prosperity. They said Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank make that vision distant, and that British Jews feel increasingly under threat. They added that Jewish residents have the right to feel safe and valued in the borough, and that Southwark will remain tolerant and inclusive.

Southwark Labour leader Sarah King called the statement weak and asked for clarity for residents. Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said many Green members have quit in shock at what he called an extreme position, and that Green councillors in Southwark should explain whether they backed the motion.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

The national Green Party's decision has little direct effect on council services in Southwark, but it puts local representatives under pressure to explain where they stand. For residents, the practical impact is mainly about trust and community relations, not changes to bins, housing or council tax.

  • Watch for statements — local parties may publish more details on their position.
  • Community meetings — Jewish organisations have been invited to discuss concerns with the council leader.
  • No immediate policy change — council services and local decisions remain unaffected.