The London Assembly has backed a Labour amendment condemning racism, antisemitism and political statements that have caused fear and distress among London’s communities.
The amendment, proposed by Labour Group Leader Lord Len Duvall OBE AM and seconded by Anne Clarke AM, was passed at Mayor’s Question Time on 15 October.
It received support from the Green, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups, while Reform UK members left the chamber before the vote.
The amendment states that the Assembly “stands in opposition to discrimination and racism, including antisemitism, and objects to political statements that have caused distress and fear among some of London’s communities.”
Political leaders challenged over divisive rhetoric
Introducing the amendment, Len Duvall challenged political leaders over several recent controversies, including:
- The Green Party’s adoption of a ‘Zionism is racism’ motion. Green Party Leader Zack Polanski missed the vote at his party’s conference and subsequently criticised aspects of its wording.
- Reform UK’s comments about Sagal Abdi-Wali. Reform’s Home Affairs Spokesperson Zia Yusuf faced accusations of racism after drawing attention to the Somali birthplace of Labour’s candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election and questioning her candidacy.
- Conservative Group Leader Susan Hall appearing at the same rally as Tommy Robinson. Hall has said she was unaware Robinson would be speaking.
He spoke about his own experience of inadvertently sharing platforms with people whose views he rejected, emphasising that political leaders must take responsibility for their actions and challenge wrongdoing wherever it exists, including within their own parties.
“We have to call out bad behaviour wherever it exists,” he told the Assembly.
Anne Clarke highlights impact on Jewish Londoners
Anne Clarke AM, who represents Barnet and Camden, seconded the amendment and spoke about the impact of antisemitism on Jewish communities in her constituency.
According to the Community Security Trust, 469 antisemitic incidents were recorded in Barnet alone during the first six months of 2026.
Anne described the fear experienced by Jewish Londoners and the effect that increasingly divisive political rhetoric can have on communities already concerned about their safety.
She also challenged Zack Polanski’s leadership over the Green Party motion, questioning his decision not to attend the conference vote.
Cross-party support
London Assembly Chair Andrew Boff AM also spoke in support of the amendment, criticising the Conservative Party’s position on human rights, including its commitment to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.
Boff has since left the Conservative Party and now sits as an independent Assembly Member.
The amendment passed among members present, with Labour, Green, Conservative and Liberal Democrat members voting in support. Reform members walked out and did not take part in the discussion or vote.
Watch the speeches from Len Duvall and Anne Clarke below.