Opinion: Ealing Green Party coordinator Neil Reynolds demands policy reversal

Ealing Green Party coordinator Neil Reynolds has backed Ealing Council Green Group leader Councillor Clare Welsby in her opposition to a motion declaring that “Zionism is racism”, adopted at the party’s annual conference on 4 October 2026, describing the policy as discriminatory and calling for it to be overturned.

In this opinion piece, Mr Reynolds explains why he believes the motion risks alienating Jewish communities, how it conflicts with the Green Party’s commitment to social justice, and why he supports Councillor Welsby’s leadership of the Green Group on Ealing Council.

“As coordinator of the local party, I want to state clearly and unequivocally that I fully share Councillor Clare Welsby’s assessment that the national conference motion is discriminatory and must be overturned.

“To understand why this policy is so deeply flawed, we must look at its real-world impact on our communities. By declaring ‘Zionism is racism,’ the motion applies a sweeping, reductive label to a complex identity held by the vast majority of British Jews. In doing so, it effectively acts as a form of institutional exclusion. It signals to our Jewish neighbors, members, and constituents that an essential element of their cultural, historical, and religious identity is inherently illegitimate. This is, by definition, discriminatory. It creates a hostile environment, fosters alienation, and generates justifiable fear at a time when antisemitism is already sharply rising.

“A foundational pillar of the Green Party is social justice, a principle that demands we protect minorities and oppose all forms of prejudice. This motion fundamentally violates that core value. Instead of building bridges, it introduces divisive, alienating rhetoric into our movement that does nothing to foster local unity.

“We cannot claim to be a party of equality if we adopt policies that make a specific minority group feel unsafe and unwelcome. For these reasons, this discriminatory policy cannot stand, and I will work alongside Clare within the party’s internal structures to ensure it is overturned.

“While our primary and most urgent focus must be on overturning this discriminatory policy at home, I also want to state that I fully share Clare’s views on the international crisis in Gaza. I stand with her in her steadfast advocacy for Palestine and her absolute condemnation of the horrific violence, illegal settlements, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza perpetrated by the Israeli government. However, we can, and must, speak out against international atrocities without resorting to discriminatory frameworks that fracture and harm communities here at home.

“As coordinator, I have absolute confidence in Clare’s leadership of the Green Group on Ealing Council. By standing up against discrimination and prioritising the safety and cohesion of all Ealing residents, she is embodying the true spirit of Green leadership.”