Dear Angela
I am writing to you following the Green Party’s recent vote endorsing a motion entitled “Zionism is Racism”.
This motion, now adopted as Green Party policy, is deeply concerning and antisemitic. It condemns the vast majority of British Jews and Jews around the world as racist simply for supporting Israel’s existence. It also rejects a two-state solution, which remains the only credible basis for a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Sheffield Labour has a proud tradition of support for Palestine, from being the first city to recognise Palestine in 2019, to signing our twinning agreement with Nablus in 2024, and requesting the Palestinian flag to be flown on the Town Hall on the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The Labour Government has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank and continues to work towards a two-state solution, with freedom, security and self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis. We are clear that the occupation is illegal, and we are banning trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements. In contrast, this new Green Party policy crosses a line. It is shameful and should be condemned across the political spectrum. At a time when Jewish communities continue to face unacceptable levels of antisemitism, language which labels Zionism — and therefore support for Israel’s very existence by many Jews and non-Jews — as inherently racist is particularly harmful.
I asked you on Monday if you would be issuing a statement to reassure Jewish communities in Sheffield and told you that I had heard from Jewish residents who feel less safe in the city and fear that the Green Party is fanning the flames of antisemitism. You said you would not be issuing a statement.
Power sharing agreements are built on the principles of mutual respect, equality and opposition to all forms of racism and discrimination.
As the Prime Minister has said, the “Zionism is Racism” motion is wrong, it is antisemitic and the Labour Party will have nothing to do with it. This includes any partnerships we have at all levels of government. If we are to continue working together on behalf of local residents, we require a clear and unambiguous public statement that you reject the “Zionism is Racism” policy and that it does not reflect the policy of your Group within seven days. We further require you to remove from committee chair positions those who have publicly supported the policy. Without this public confirmation, the Labour Group will not be able to continue any coalition or power sharing agreement. We also require you to publicly call on the Green Party leadership to reject this policy in its entirety, and to make clear that “Zionism is Racism” will not be the Green Party’s national position. Our Jewish residents and communities deserve nothing less than unequivocal support and reassurance.
I hope that we are able to continue working constructively together for the benefit of local residents – but I also hope you understand the importance of the issues I have outlined today.
The Labour Party and the Labour Government will continue working every day to ensure that Jewish communities and all communities are safe, feel safe and have their rights upheld, while striving to rid our society of antisemitism once and for all. I hope we can work together locally to uphold those principles.
Yours sincerely,
Fran
Fran Belbin
Leader of Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Labour Group
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The Green response is at: https://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/2026/10/16/statement-from-sheffield-green-group-regarding-the-joint-administration-of-sheffield-city-council/
