‘Entryism has been a problem for many parties, but our tradition of direct democracy and our weak accountability mechanisms mean we are woefully exposed’, former Greens leader Caroline Lucas writes
Zack Polanski was urged to ‘address the crisis that has overtaken the party’(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
The country needs a strong Green Party. At a time of accelerating climate breakdown and nature collapse, with a crippling cost of living crisis and deepening inequality, it’s never been more urgent that Green voices are heard, Green policies are enacted and Green influence is felt.
That’s why it’s so important that we urgently address the crisis that has overtaken the party.
I am deeply sorry for the hurt that has been caused by the Zionism is Racism policy, passed at our party conference last weekend. Those of us who spoke against the motion were clear: the policies and approach of this Israeli government are racist, its horrific actions in Gaza constitute genocide, and a campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions is necessary and legitimate. But supporting a motion which effectively denies Israel the right to exist crosses a very significant red line.
I’m committed to working with others to embed a deeper understanding of both antisemitism and Zionism within the party; to work to show everyone, especially Jewish people, that our party is safe for them; and to make our party’s policy making processes more inclusive and effective.
That includes acknowledging the vulnerability of our internal structures. Entryism has been a problem for many parties, but our tradition of direct democracy and our weak accountability mechanisms mean we are woefully exposed.
The Zionism is Racism policy was voted for by just over 1000 self-selecting members – around 0.5% of the Party’s total membership, an unknown number of whom were actively encouraged to join the Green Party simply to push the motion through. Policy making urgently needs to be made far more representative.
Winning Holborn and St Pancras, a Labour stronghold for over 40 years, was always going to be a big ask, especially under First Past the Post, but we achieved our second best parliamentary by-election result ever, trebling our share of the vote.
With over 1000 councillors and more than 220,000 members, as heatwaves follow floods, we’re a major part of our nation’s political landscape – and our influence is increasingly being felt.
By mounting a political and credible electoral threat to Labour’s left, demonstrated most clearly by our win in the Gorton and Denton by-election and then in May’s local elections, we played a major role in ridding the country of Starmerism.
From immigration and Brexit, to public ownership and electoral reform, Greens have successfully pushed Labour to be braver and bolder. And nowhere more so than on the about-face on the West Bank and Gaza, a shift away from Starmer supporting calls for water and electricity to be cut off to Ed Miliband now demanding sanctions and more – Greens helped do this.
It’s vital that this work continues – and that makes doing everything we can to make our Party fit for the future couldn’t be more important. We’re determined to do exactly that.
