Brendan O’Neill accuses Green Party of becoming openly anti‑Jewish after adopting “Zionism is Racism” policy

Brendan O’Neill, a columnist for Spiked, wrote on 6 October 2026 that the Green Party of England and Wales had become an openly anti‑Jewish party after it adopted a policy that labels Zionism as racism, a claim he amplified on his Instagram feed.

The post, which was retweeted by commentator David Bernstein, quoted O’Neill’s concluding remark that the party’s stance was comparable to actions in 1930s Europe. He argued the policy signals “bourgeois bigotry” and framed the move as a direct attack on Jewish identity.

O’Neill’s column cited the Green Party’s recent decision at its Brighton conference, where members voted 1,022 to 813 in favour of an anti‑Zionist definition. The definition, according to party materials, frames Zionism as a vehicle for exclusion and domination, effectively branding the movement “racist.”

Supporters of the policy argue that it addresses concerns over Palestinian rights and opposes what they view as nationalist exclusivity. Critics, including O’Neill, contend that the language crosses into anti‑Jewish territory by conflating Zionism with Jewish identity, a point underscored by the historical references in his column.

The Green Party’s internal debate highlighted a substantial minority of delegates—813 members—who opposed the measure, indicating ongoing division within the party. Party representatives have not issued an immediate response to O’Neill’s accusations, but they have previously defended the policy as a stance on human rights rather than an attack on any religious group.

Political observers note that the controversy adds to a broader conversation about how UK parties address the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and the limits of free speech in political discourse. As the Green Party prepares for upcoming elections, the debate over its anti‑Zionist position may influence voter perceptions and coalition dynamics.

Further statements from Green Party officials and reactions from Jewish community leaders are expected in the coming days, with both sides preparing to articulate their positions on the policy’s implications for British politics.