Green Party leader Zack Polanski has launched a fierce condemnation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent "high on drugs, soft on Putin" jibe during Prime Minister's Questions, branding it as "beneath the office of the prime minister" and "disgraceful".
Polanski Denounces 'Cheap Jokes' on Serious Issues
In a scathing rebuke, Polanski criticised Starmer for deploying what he called "cheap jokes" on grave matters of national defence and public health during the parliamentary session last month. The Green leader described the prime minister's attack as "pretty vile", particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Defence and Drugs Policy at Centre of Controversy
The controversy stems from Starmer's accusation that Polanski wants to negotiate with Vladimir Putin to abandon nuclear weapons, while simultaneously advocating for drug legalisation. Polanski defended his position, explaining that his call for drug legalisation is fundamentally about regulation and a public health approach.
"There are thousands and thousands of unnecessary deaths from drug harm and from dangerous drugs," Polanski stated. "Actually what we need is a public health approach. So when I talk about legalising drugs, the key bit is it's about legalising and regulating. If someone has a problematic relationship to drugs, then surely the answer is to make sure they're seen by a medical health professional who can help them."
Polanski Questions Starmer's International Stance
During an appearance on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Polanski contrasted Starmer's approach with international diplomacy concerns. "This is a prime minister who is subservient to Donald Trump, a man who says they admire Vladimir Putin while shaming Zelensky in the White House," he remarked.
Polanski emphasised the seriousness of defence matters, stating: "Defence is a really serious issue. There is no bigger number one priority for a government or for a leader of a political party than to defend the people of this country. And to make jokes about Putin and Russia I think is pretty vile."
Westminster Ambitions and Local Representation
The Green leader also addressed questions about his parliamentary ambitions, confirming he will "absolutely be going for" a London seat when one becomes available. Explaining why he wasn't standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, Polanski noted: "I live in London. I'm a Mancunian. I've been in London for about 20 years, and the Green Party really believes in nurturing local talent and really lifting up someone from the community."
Polanski's comments come as the Green Party continues to position itself in the political landscape, recently unveiling councillor Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, as their candidate for the Greater Manchester constituency, with Polanski warning of "just days to stop Reform".
