Green Party leader Zack Polanski has insisted that police should not be above scrutiny, following a controversy over a social media post he shared about the Golders Green stabbing incident. He also criticised Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for writing an open letter condemning the repost, calling it an inappropriate political move.
Background of the Controversy
Mr Polanski retweeted an X post that accused officers of violently kicking the Golders Green stabbing suspect in the head after he had already been incapacitated. The post has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party and from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described him as “disgraceful” and “not fit to lead any political party”.
Polanski's Response
Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Mr Polanski said: “I think you can both recognise the bravery of officers who run towards incidents that most of us, including myself, would certainly want to run away from, and find the appropriate forum to say that no one, especially the police, should be above scrutiny.” He acknowledged that his choice of forum was inappropriate and apologised, adding that open letters are not a suitable way to conduct politics during local elections. He stated he would discuss the matter with the commissioner.
Minister's View
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed understanding for the officers' actions, telling Times Radio that if she were a police officer, she could see herself taking similar action given the suspect had a backpack and concerns about it detonating.
Details of the Attack
The original post alleged officers repeatedly and violently kicked a mentally ill man in the head after he was tasered. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, 45, is accused of attempting to murder Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76, during a knife rampage in north-west London. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody.
Other Controversies
Mr Polanski also addressed the use of the phrase “globalise the intifada” at demonstrations. He said he discourages its use but is not interested in policing language. This follows the Prime Minister’s call for protesters to denounce such chants at Gaza marches. The Green Party leader told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that words matter, but so do the lives of Palestinians and Lebanese killed, and defending the right to protest is important.
Antisemitism Allegations
Mr Polanski also criticised The Times for publishing a caricature of him that he described as using an antisemitic trope with a “visibly hooked nose”. His party has complained to the newspaper’s editor. He stated that Jewish communities are not safe, noting that two people have been arrested in relation to antisemitic actions against him in the past six weeks. The Times has been contacted for comment.
