Sheffield Greens defy Labour's seven-day ultimatum to condemn 'Zionism is racism' motion, putting city coalition in doubt

Sheffield's Green group has refused to buckle under a Labour ultimatum demanding they formally repudiate their party's 'Zionism is racism' conference motion, throwing the city's joint administration into serious jeopardy. Labour chair Bridget Phillipson ordered Labour groups across 17 local authorities to end power-sharing deals unless Green partners disavow the policy within seven days. Sheffield Green group leader Angela Argenzio accused Labour of "political point scoring" and warned that collapsing the administration would be "disastrous for the city." Prime Minister Andy Burnham had ruled out any national "partnership" with the Greens at PMQs after Nigel Farage publicly demanded he draw a red line.

Argenzio insisted Green councillors "do not tolerate any form of racism" but said decisions about Sheffield's governance should not be "dictated from Westminster."

Farage demanded Burnham explicitly rule out any electoral alliance with Zack Polanski's party, with a Labour former minister conceding Farage was "absolutely correct."

Jewish councillor Sharone Parnes wrote an open letter asking Green colleagues to clarify their personal views, warning the motion risks "polluting the atmosphere of trust" in local civic life.