The Green Party is striving for a society in which everyone feels safe, included, welcomed and respected. It is the responsibility of all members and representatives to work continuously to ensure that is the case.

I am aware that there are reports of comments from Mothin Ali which require further investigation and I have urged that to happen swiftly with follow up as appropriate.  

It is important to note that the Green Party has a duty of care to Mr Ali and anyone who has been subjected to the kind of racism and harassment he has experienced in the past few days.

It is also important to allow that process to take place fairly and it would be wrong for me to either prejudge or influence the outcome of that investigation.

However, there are a number of points I can and do wish to make at this stage.

Firstly, that the language we use in public life matters and I recognise and share concerns about some of the statements as reported from Mr Ali. I therefore welcome that he has made an apology and I hope he will work with the wider Jewish community in order to rebuild trust.   

Secondly, people across the UK are understandably deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus now on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.  The fact that Mothin Ali decided to use his platform to advocate on their behalf is consistent with Green Party policy, which calls for an immediate and unconditional release of the hostages being held by Hamas, an immediate bilateral ceasefire, an end to the occupation of Palestine, and a two state solution. We have condemned the brutal attacks of October 7th and continue to promote peace and justice for all Israelis and Palestinians.

Finally, to those who take offence at Mr Ali’s statement of “Allahu Akbar”, or “God is great” – a phrase regularly used by Muslims in prayer or thanksgiving – I will continue to defend his or any candidate’s right to praise their god publicly, whether that’s in line with their beliefs as a Muslim, Christian or any other religion.

There is no place for either antisemitism or islamophobia in our Party or in wider society, and I am committed to doing all I can to support the cross-party, cross-society effort needed to counter and dismantle racism and bigotry wherever it’s found.