MP condemns Greens for platforming group ‘disciplined for anti-Jewish hatred’
Joani Reid, chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, references repeated engagement by Zack Polanski's party with the 5Pillars network
An MP has condemned senior figures in the Green Party for giving a platform to an organisation “disciplined for anti-Jewish hatred” during the ongoing by-election campaign in Gorton and Denton.
Joani Reid, chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, made the allegation after referencing repeated engagement by Zack Polanski’s party with the 5Pillars network—including an interview the Islamist outlet conducted with Green candidate Hannah Spencer.
Addressing the Commons, the Scottish Labour MP said: “During the ongoing by-election campaign in Gorton and Denton, senior Green Party figures engaged with 5Pillars—an outlet that has previously been disciplined for anti-Jewish hatred and is well known for amplifying extremist voices. Those in public office have a duty to act responsibly, and there are serious questions about judgment here.”
She added that “parties seeking office should not legitimise platforms linked to hatred,” and called on the government to outline further steps to combat extremism, antisemitism, and other forms of hate.
Responding for the government, Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “We are continuously assessing trends in antisemitism, working with the police, the Jewish community, and our antisemitism working group. What is absolutely clear is that antisemitic incidents are on the rise.
“This is an unacceptable and heartbreaking reality, and we are determined as a government to get a grip on and turn the tide. That is why we are taking coordinated action to tackle antisemitism, including across education, health, and other key institutions.”
During the same debate, senior Conservative MP and Father of the House, Sir Edward Leigh, suggested that the actions of the Israeli government in displacing Palestinians are “fuelling antisemitism” globally.
He told MPs: “Antisemitism is horrible, but will the Minister agree that there is nothing antisemitic in supporting the rights of the suffering Palestinian people and nothing antisemitic in opposing the actions of the present right-wing Israeli Government, which is making a two-state solution impossible?
“There is nothing antisemitic in that, because probably the majority of Jewish people throughout the world agree with me—and, actually, the actions of the Israeli Government in forcing Palestinians off their land is fuelling antisemitism.”
Polanski, Greens deputy leader Mothin Ali and Spencer appeared in a video interview conducted by 5 Pillars, a notorious Islamist outlet which has used its “Blood Brothers” podcast to host individuals such as former BNP leader Nick Griffin, Patriotic Alternative Leader Mark Collett and former Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen.
That video interview was subsequently shared on the Green Party’s Twitter account, but was removed on Thursday morning, some 12 hours after Jewish News approached the party for comment.
Polanski later said he does not “always know who I’m talking to” following criticism over an interview he gave to a media outlet twice censured for discrimination.
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