The dispute originated at the national Green Party conference, where members approved a motion defining Zionism as an ideology backing an ethnonationalist Jewish state that excludes or dominates non-Jewish populations. This policy drew significant backlash from Jewish organizations, political opponents, and some Green MPs. Local Labour representatives, including MP Noah Law, welcomed Creek's defection and praised his community advocacy. Cornwall Greens expressed regret over the departure but reaffirmed their unified condemnation of Israeli military actions alongside broader criticisms of Labour's climate and foreign policy records.
Key points
National foreign policy stances can alienate local municipal leaders who prioritize const…: National foreign policy stances can alienate local municipal leaders who prioritize constituent-focused community issues over contentious ideological debates.
The controversial conference vote sparked internal resistance among Green MPs while drawi…: The controversial conference vote sparked internal resistance among Green MPs while drawing condemnation from external Jewish organizations.
Cornwall Greens defended their stance on Gaza and arms exports while criticizing the Labo…: Cornwall Greens defended their stance on Gaza and arms exports while criticizing the Labour Party's current policy positions.
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The leader of the Green Party on Cornwall Council has defected following the party's recent "Zionism is racism" motion.
Drew Creek joined the Labour and Co-operatives on Thursday after the policy motion was passed at the Green Party's conference earlier this month.
Creek, who is Mayor of Newquay and serves as a councillor for Trenance ward, said he had "huge respect" for Greens across Cornwall but the motion "crossed a line".
The Cornwall Green Party said it was "deeply saddened" by Creek's decision to join Labour and said it does not "try to impose uniformity of belief" among its members and elected representatives.
The motion backed by Green members at its party conference said Zionism was an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine to the exclusion and/or domination of the non-Jewish population".
It has been criticised by Jewish groups, as well as some Green MPs and opposition political parties.
Creek said he hoped the Green Party would step back from the stance – but said instead, "Zack Polanski and the leadership has doubled down".
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