Green politics in England and Wales
The Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation, features a record-long ballot with 34 candidates. Major parties sit out the race while independents and fringe figures like Count Binface vie for votes. The vote takes place on 13 August as Tendring District Council manages unprecedented logistical challenges and costs.
Polanski has urged ministers to halt new North Sea oil and gas drilling, citing wildfire threats and calling for a robust prevention plan. Packham warns about public wellbeing data and presses for practical firefighting resources amid rising blazes across the UK.
Public transport workers delivering for Arriva North London are walking out on scheduled dates amid heat-related safety concerns. Drivers report heat in cabs, while TfL warns of disruption to routes. The disputes overlap with heatwaves and drought conditions affecting farming and road safety across the country.
Firefighters are tackling extensive grass fires across the West Midlands amid a record heatwave. Homes have been damaged and residents evacuated as crews declare major incidents in Stourbridge, Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding areas. Emergency services warn people to stay indoors and close windows.
A by‑election has opened in Camden after Sir Keir Starmer resigned. The Green leader, Zack Polanski, has been campaigning locally and is considering standing for the seat; local members are reported to be supportive. Labour has shortlisted candidates and is expected to select Camden council leader Sagal Abdi‑Wali as its nominee by next Wednesday.
Undercover footage broadcast by Channel 4 has shown two senior Reform UK aides discussing ways to channel foreign money into the party. Dan Jukes and James Orr have stepped down pending an internal inquiry. Police and the Electoral Commission are assessing complaints. Nigel Farage has denied illegal activity and said he was not listening during the meeting.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.
Campaign harassment and intimidation have surged in England’s local and mayoral elections, with more than half of candidates reporting abuse. The Electoral Commission urges parties to set clear respect rules and for social platforms to curb online abuse as the threats to democracy grow more pronounced.
Reform UK faces scrutiny over its £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires, prompting calls for a cap on political donations. The government has signalled potential reforms to spending limits and overseas donor rules, while opposition and unions warn of risks to democracy.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that the state pension will keep its annual rise until April 2030, but from 2030 will no longer automatically rise with yearly average earnings. The government says the change will free savings to help fund a National Care Service; analysts say initial savings will be small and political opposition is already forming.
The Green Party has faced international condemnation after a policy motion declaring Zionism as racism was passed at a Brighton conference. Four of five Green MPs opposed the motion, which endorses a single Palestinian state and calls Zionism an ideology of racism. The party’s leadership and membership are under intense scrutiny as by-elections approach, with discussions about governance and inclusivity intensifying.
Labour has won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Sagal Abdi‑Wali has taken 45% (12,292 votes) to Green leader Zack Polanski’s 33% (8,928). The result has intensified scrutiny of Polanski after the Green conference motion equating Zionism with racism and his absence from that vote; he has said he will remain party leader.
The Green Party has passed a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and endorsing a Palestinian state. The vote has drawn condemnation from Israel and Jewish groups, while triggering internal divisions and prompting debates about the party’s future direction.
The Green Party conference has adopted a motion declaring Zionism to be racism and calling for a single democratic Palestinian state. Several MPs oppose it, including four of five Green MPs, while Israel condemns the motion and bans the party leader from entering the country. The debate exposes tensions between grassroots members and elected officials and raises questions about the party’s governance.
The Green Party at its Brighton convention has passed a motion calling Zionism a form of racism and backing a single democratic Palestinian state in historic Palestine with equal rights for all. The vote was 1,022 to 813, prompting condemnation from Jewish groups and Israel’s government.
The Green Party has adopted a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and has made it party policy. Leader Zack Polanski has said he will not overturn the motion but wants to amend it at the next allowable opportunity in 2028. The vote has prompted internal splits, an equality watchdog inquiry and condemnation from other parties and Jewish groups.
The Green Party conference has adopted a controversial motion declaring Zionism as racism while backing a single democratic Palestinian state. The move has drawn condemnation from the European Greens and sparked resignations and internal criticism within the Green Party of England and Wales. The European Greens distance themselves, reaffirming support for a two-state framework.
Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali has won a defamation case against GB News’ Alex Armstrong and Bernadette Spofforth. The High Court has ordered apologies and substantial damages after posts accusing him of taking part in the 2024 Harehills riots harmed his reputation. Ali says the case highlights how social media smears target public figures who assist communities in crisis.
British government officials say talks with the EU are focusing on a future relationship, including potential free movement or rejoining aspects of the single market, though Labour’s red lines remain. Burnham is set to meet EU leaders on 20 November, with a broader debate on the long-term uk-eu relationship.