The dispute has now erupted into a major public row both within and outside the party. The situation is further complicated by Polanski’s personal background; he is himself Jewish, yet his political positions have led to him being banned from entering Israel. The passage of the Brighton motion has drawn sharp condemnation from major representative bodies of the British Jewish community, including the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Furthermore, the decision has strained international relations, drawing criticism from sister Green parties across Europe who have distanced themselves from the stance of the England and Wales party.
Significantly, the controversy has also alienated some of the most respected figures within the domestic Green movement. Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the party and widely regarded as one of the most influential Green politicians of her generation, intervened publicly during an appearance on BBC Newsnight. Lucas stated unequivocally that Polanski had failed to show sufficient leadership over the issue. Crucially, she also declined to offer her support for him to continue in his role as party leader.
Despite this formidable wave of criticism from both internal allies and external organizations, Polanski remained defiant when questioned by reporters at the Camden count about his political future. Asked directly if he could realistically continue to lead the party, Polanski insisted, "Of course I can carry on."
When given the opportunity to do so, Polanski did not explicitly reject the motion passed by his party’s membership. Instead, he pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, stating that there was an "ongoing genocide and the displacement of the Palestinian people." He added, "I believe that is clearly racist." The State of Israel has repeatedly and vigorously denied all allegations that its military actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
When asked whether he still supported a two-state solution—the long-standing international diplomatic framework that envisions an independent Israeli state and a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside one another—Polanski declined to endorse the concept directly, stating, "I believe it is not our role to decide."
Polanski concluded his remarks by emphasizing his commitment to party unity and inclusivity. He repeated that "it is my job to reassure people and make sure that we bring our party together," before asserting that "no one will be excluded in the Green Party based on faith and religion."
Nevertheless, Polanski now finds himself confronting the most significant crisis of his leadership to date. He is facing an open, highly public insurrection regarding his judgment and authority from senior figures within his own ranks, alongside widespread condemnation from external political and community organizations. The local campaign in Holborn and St Pancras has reached its conclusion, but the difficult questions facing the Green Party leader are far from resolved.
