Green Party leader Zack Polanski has launched a fierce defence of his party's controversial drugs policy, describing Labour's criticism as "vile" and accusing Sir Keir Starmer's government of debasing politics with cheap attacks.
By-Election Campaign Intensifies
With just 48 hours remaining before voters go to the polls in the crucial Gorton and Denton by-election, political tensions have reached boiling point. Mr Polanski, speaking during another visit to the Greater Manchester constituency, directly addressed Labour's claims that the Greens' plan to legalise drugs would turn parks and playgrounds into "crack dens."
"Let me speak with absolute clarity," Mr Polanski told the Press Association. "What Keir Starmer and this Labour Government have said on drugs policy is vile. It debases politics. And actually, I think people are sick of it, because I think people recognise it's an attack on a party that's trying to have a sensible grown up conversation about a really serious issue."
Public Health Approach Advocated
The Green leader argued that Britain's current approach to drugs has failed catastrophically, pointing out that the country suffers from the worst rate of drug-related deaths in Europe. He emphasised that his party advocates for a regulated, public health-focused strategy rather than continuing what he called the failed "war on drugs."
"Sadly, in a playground, people have access to drugs," Mr Polanski explained. "So, what we're talking about is regulating drugs. We are talking about regulating drugs and controlling drugs, because the war on drugs has failed. We need a different approach."
Three-Way Electoral Battle
The by-election represents a significant challenge for Labour in what was previously considered a rock-solid Greater Manchester stronghold. In 2024, Labour secured the seat with a commanding majority of 13,413 votes and more than half of all ballots cast. However, the party's declining popularity since Sir Keir Starmer entered Downing Street has created vulnerability.
Labour now faces a dual threat from both Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin and Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer. Prime Minister Starmer made his first visit to the constituency on Tuesday, telling Labour activists that the election represented a "battle of values" and warning that voting Green could inadvertently hand victory to what he called "toxic" Reform UK.
Gaza Conflict Comments
Mr Polanski also defended his previous characterisation of the conflict in Gaza as a "genocide," accusing the Labour government of being complicit through its continued arms sales to Israel. "What happened on October 7 was absolutely outrageous and a horrific attack," he stated. "And nothing justifies what Israel had done for the last couple of years. That again, our Government is not just complicit in, but actively enabling."
The Green leader called for Britain to cease weapons exports to Israel and stop intelligence sharing, arguing that such actions would help end what he described as genocide.
Reform UK Optimistic
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed confidence about his party's chances in the traditionally Labour-held constituency. Speaking during a visit to a steel stockholding firm in Dudley, West Midlands, Mr Farage told the Press Association: "The by-election seat has been traditional Labour since the end of the First World War. For us it was number 440 in terms of votes cast at the last election. It's a very exciting three-way race."
Mr Farage added: "If I was completely independent, I'd be looking on with absolute fascination to see what happens. All I can say is we're in with a chance. We're in with a real chance."
Mr Polanski acknowledged that a Reform UK victory would be "deeply damaging" but claimed his own party's campaign was progressing "amazingly well" as Thursday's polling day approaches.
