Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Political Landscape and Zionism
02:05 Lubna’s Journey and Achievements in the Green Party
06:45 The Motion for Anti-Zionism and Palestinian Rights
10:37 Challenges Faced in the Political Arena
16:42 Media Influence and Public Perception
22:55 The Dehumanization of Palestinians
28:07 Zionism and Its Impact on Jewish Identity
30:01 The Future of Palestine and Leadership Perspectives
39:57 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations
For the second episode of Uncle Hoz in Tehran, I sit down with Lubna Speitan, the British-Palestinian activist who authored the Zionism Is Racism motion adopted by the Green Party of England and Wales at its conference in Brighton on 4 October 2026.
The motion passed with 1,022 votes in favour and 813 against, marking a significant moment in the party’s debate over Palestine, Zionism and the future of the region. Read the coverage by The Guardian.
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Lubna takes us through the campaign behind the motion, the obstacles she and her fellow activists encountered, and why she believes Palestinians must be able to speak for themselves in the struggle for their rights and liberation.
IN THIS EPISODE
LUBNA SPEITAN AND HER ACHIEVEMENT IN THE GREEN PARTY
Lubna explains how she became involved in the Green Party, her search for a political home that would properly represent her views on Palestine, and what led her to draft the motion that would become official party policy. We discuss the significance of this achievement and what it could mean for Palestinians and their supporters seeking a political voice in Britain.
THE MOTION: ZIONISM IS RACISM
We examine the substance of the motion, including its call for a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights for all, the right of return for Palestinians and their descendants, Palestinian self-determination, accountability and reparations. Lubna explains why she believes the motion challenges the longstanding denial of Palestinian political rights and why she argues that anti-Zionism must not automatically be conflated with antisemitism.
THE CHALLENGES AND PRESSURE BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN
Lubna describes the difficulties surrounding the campaign, including attempts to delay the motion, disputes at conference, allegations and accusations directed at supporters, and the wider political pressure surrounding the debate. We discuss the responsibilities of party leadership, the role of grassroots members and the importance of standing by one’s principles when facing opposition.
THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA AND THE STRUGGLE FOR PALESTINE
We turn to the role of the British press in shaping public opinion. Lubna discusses her experiences of media scrutiny and what she sees as a pattern of portraying Palestinian activists through allegations and associations rather than engaging with their arguments. We explore the consequences of this coverage for political debate, public understanding and the wider movement for Palestinian rights.
THE DEHUMANISATION OF PALESTINIANS
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation concerns the treatment of Palestinian lives in political discourse and media coverage. Lubna discusses what she sees as the double standards applied to different populations, the human cost of the destruction in Gaza, and the importance of confronting racism, discrimination and the denial of Palestinian humanity.
ZIONISM, JUDAISM AND THE QUESTION OF EQUALITY
We examine the distinction between Zionism and Judaism, the diversity of Jewish opinion on Israel and Palestine, and the argument that criticism of a political ideology should not be treated as hostility towards an entire religious community. Lubna explains why she believes confronting the conflation of Zionism and Judaism is essential both to Palestinian liberation and to protecting the right of Jewish people to hold diverse political views.
THE FUTURE OF PALESTINE AND MARWAN BARGHOUTI
We discuss the future of Palestine, the limitations of the two-state solution as Lubna sees them, and the case for a single democratic state founded on equality, justice and accountability. Our conversation also turns to Marwan Barghouti, his importance to Palestinian politics, and why Lubna believes the struggle for Palestinian freedom cannot be separated from the demand for the release of Palestinian political prisoners.
A DUTY TO SPEAK AND A MOVEMENT THAT WILL NOT BE SILENCED
In closing, we reflect on the personal responsibility of political activists, the importance of international solidarity and the need to ensure that Palestinian voices are heard. Lubna explains why she refuses to be intimidated into silence and why she believes the campaign for justice must continue beyond the walls of any political party.
This is a conversation about Palestine, political courage, media accountability, human rights and the struggle to build a future founded on justice and equality.
Lubna’s campaign has brought the question of Zionism and Palestinian rights directly into the heart of British political debate. Whatever your views, this is an important discussion about the direction of British politics and the future of Palestine.
If you value independent political discussion, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE.
Follow Lubna Speitan and the campaign for Palestinian rights, and stay tuned for more conversations on Uncle Hoz in Tehran.
#LubnaSpeitan #ZionismIsRacism #Palestine #GreenParty #BritishPolitics #PalestinianRights #MarwanBarghouti #UncleHozInTehran
