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Phil Davies, the former deputy leader of the Green Party in Wales, announced his resignation, citing his opposition to a recent party motion declaring “Zionism is racism.” He described the motion as “pointless” and criticized some of the language used as “disgraceful.” Having been a member of the Greens for seven years, Davies revealed on social media that the motion passed over the weekend hastened his decision to leave the party. He characterized the motion as “imperialistic” and “idiotic,” emphasizing that it “doesn’t materially achieve anything in the real world.”
During an interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Davies expressed confusion over why such a motion was even debated, explaining that it does nothing to improve conditions for Palestinians. He also mentioned that Welsh Greens leader Anthony Slaughter supported his decision to resign. Furthermore, Davies expressed hope that in the upcoming party conference, Welsh Greens members might vote to separate from their counterparts in England and establish a distinct Welsh party. The motion in question, which became official party policy on Sunday, advocates for a single democratic Palestinian state throughout historic Palestine, encompassing the current territory of Israel.
This policy has prompted a strong reaction. Israel responded by banning Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country. Additionally, Jewish groups condemned the motion as an “attack” on their community, and some Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs have reported the Green Party to the UK’s equality watchdog. Reflecting on his departure, Davies said he did not want to be associated with that style of politics. He reiterated that Slaughter, whom he regards as a close friend, had been understanding of his decision to quit.
When asked whether Slaughter might also resign, Davies expressed that elected officials should not remain in their positions if they switch allegiances, emphasizing that representatives are elected under a party banner rather than as individuals. He proposed that the Welsh faction might consider becoming independent from the Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) to better represent Wales autonomously. Davies expressed optimism that the upcoming conference would result in a vote favoring this split. In an Instagram post, he also conveyed feelings of inadequate support and respect from GPEW, stating he often felt like “the token Welshman moaning” and that the role of Wales deputy leader seemed overlooked within the broader party structure.
Anthony Slaughter, who revealed he had recently been diagnosed with cancer, praised Davies for bringing “a much needed new perspective to Welsh politics.” He also recognized that while the controversial motion was a factor in Davies’ resignation, it was not the sole reason and acknowledged the emotional responses it had stirred within the party. Meanwhile, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth described the Green Party policy as “ill-judged,” reaffirming his long-standing support for a two-state solution. Responding to criticisms from Reform Wales leader Helen Jenner, who accused left-wing parties of harboring “a sickening antisemitism problem,” ap Iorwerth declared in the Senedd that he stands “shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish communities in Wales.
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