It’s not the old two-party politics – but Labour and the Tories now know they can shun their populist challengers | Gaby Hinsliff

Labour leader Andy Burnham said his party cannot partner with the Green Party while it endorses a "Zionism is racism" motion backed by Green members, effectively ruling out potential coalition arrangements. The comment, confirmed by Labour chair Bridget Phillipson, signals both major parties are now willing to draw clear lines against smaller parties and name what they consider extremism, marking a shift from earlier caution during the populist surge.

The Green motion advocates a one-state Palestinian solution that would eliminate Israel, columnist Gaby Hinsliff notes, distinguishing it from policies supporting Palestinian statehood alongside Israel. Labour, still addressing its own antisemitism controversies, views the position as crossing a line. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has similarly rejected Reform UK's ethno-nationalist rhetoric, suggesting both mainstream parties are reasserting boundaries after years of electoral volatility forced them to court smaller parties.