In a candid interview that has sparked fresh debate on Britain's approach to narcotics, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has revealed his personal abstinence from all drugs and alcohol while simultaneously advocating for the comprehensive legalisation and regulation of controlled substances. The London Assembly member made his remarks during an appearance on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, where he outlined a vision for drug policy centred on public health rather than criminalisation.
A Personal Stance of Abstinence
When questioned about his own experiences with drugs during his university years, Polanski offered a surprising admission. "I've actually never taken a drug in my life, or even drunk alcohol, but I still don't sit here as the fun police," he stated unequivocally. The Green leader elaborated that this personal choice was not driven by principle but rather by circumstance, explaining that during his school years, he often found himself in situations where "someone needed to be sober" while friends were experimenting with substances.
Polanski emphasised that his abstinence does not translate to judgement of others, asserting "I very clearly believe people should be able to do what they want to do. It just wasn't for me." He even revealed an unexpected personal detail, mentioning that he used to breakdance and has "always liked dancing without taking drink or drugs."
Condemning Political Hypocrisy
The Green leader directed sharp criticism at politicians from both major parties who he claims adopt contradictory positions on drug policy. "Politicians who admit taking drugs and then advocate for incarcerating drug users are taking a 'hypocritical approach'," Polanski told Kuenssberg, arguing that what is needed instead is a comprehensive "public health approach" designed to prevent drug-related deaths.
He highlighted what he described as racial disparities in drug law enforcement, noting that "innocent young black people are far more likely to be stopped and searched for drugs than their white peers." Polanski pointed to ministers from both Labour and Conservative governments who have "openly said on record that they've taken drugs, yet they're putting in prison people who have taken drugs, and very often again, it's disproportionately young black and brown people."
Responding to Starmer's Criticism
Polanski's comments come in the wake of recent criticism from Labour leader Keir Starmer, who during Prime Minister's Questions last Wednesday accused the Green Party of being "high on drugs, soft on Putin." The Green leader responded forcefully to what he characterised as "cheap jokes delivered badly" from the dispatch box.
"Hearing Starmer making cheap jokes delivered badly about drug use from the dispatch box was pretty disgraceful," Polanski stated, adding that "joking about Putin and Russia was also pretty vile," particularly when he wasn't present in the House of Commons to defend his party against such remarks.
Advocating for Radical Policy Change
At the heart of Polanski's argument is a call for fundamental reform of Britain's drug laws. "It's about legalising and regulating," he explained. "If someone has a problematic relationship to drugs, then surely the answer is to make sure they're seen by a medical professional who can help them."
When pressed on whether legalising Class A drugs including heroin and cocaine might send dangerous signals to young people, Polanski initially redirected the conversation to alcohol, which he noted "can sometimes be one of the most dangerous drugs." Upon further questioning, he argued that "the danger is happening right now, which is where we're pushing it [dangerous drug use] into street corners and into a black market."
The Green leader was unequivocal in his assessment of current policy: "The war on drugs is not working. In fact, it's making drugs more dangerous." He called for "a grownup conversation, based on evidence, taking a public health approach that looks at prevention, intervention and makes sure that afterwards, people can get the support they need."
A Balanced Approach to Personal Freedom
Throughout the interview, Polanski maintained a nuanced position that balanced personal freedom with public safety. "If anyone wants to do it and they're doing it safely, I'm really glad people are having a good time," he remarked regarding recreational drug use. "But we know lots of people aren't taking it safely, so let's make sure they get the support they need."
This stance represents a significant departure from traditional political approaches to drug policy in the United Kingdom, positioning the Green Party as advocating for what they describe as a more compassionate, evidence-based framework that prioritises harm reduction over punishment.
