Zack Polanski has condemned Sir Keir Starmer's "high on drugs, soft on Putin" jibe during Prime Minister's Questions as "beneath the office of the prime minister" and "disgraceful".
The Green Party leader said the remarks, delivered in response to his own proposals on drug policy and defence, were a "cheap joke" on a serious issue. He accused the Prime Minister of being "subservient" to Donald Trump, who he said had shamed Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House while expressing admiration for Vladimir Putin.
In October last year, Mr Polanski told the BBC he favoured legalising all drugs, arguing for a "public health approach" rather than a criminal justice one. He has also advocated leaving Nato. Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, he said: "There are thousands and thousands of unnecessary deaths from drug harm... what we need is a public health approach."
On the PM's jibe, Mr Polanski said it was "pretty vile" to make jokes about Putin and Russia, adding that defence was "the biggest priority" for any government or party leader.
He also confirmed his intention to stand for a parliamentary seat in London when one becomes available, saying he had lived in the capital for 20 years. He was speaking after the Green Party selected councillor Hannah Spencer as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
