Police are conducting inquiries after Nigel Farage reported a social media post by Green party leader Zack Polanski for allegedly inciting murder. The image, shared on Instagram, showed a man wearing a T-shirt with the words "we're only making plans for Nigel" alongside a photograph of a guillotine.
Background of the Controversy
The post quickly drew sharp criticism. Farage shared a screenshot on X, writing: "This is what Zack Polanski has just posted on his Instagram. If I was to post anything as inciteful then I would expect to be arrested, and so should Polanski." Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf accused Polanski of inciting murder, calling the timing — weeks after the murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe — "staggering."
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Police Response
A Metropolitan police spokesperson confirmed receiving a third-party report and stated: "We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting inquiries into the matter." The image has since been removed from Polanski's Instagram account.
Green Party’s Statement
A Green party spokesperson said that Polanski "condemns the image on the T-shirt" and accepted being tagged in a post with 20 images "without realising there was more to it than he had seen." They added that the T-shirt was "clearly in poor taste, especially at a time of heightened fears for the security of public figures."
Comparison of Reactions
| Stance | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Nigel Farage / Reform UK | Called for arrest; described post as inciting murder; referenced Widdecombe murder. |
| Green Party | Condemned the image; claimed Polanski was unaware of full content; called for kindness. |
| Met Police | Conducting inquiries; taking report extremely seriously. |
Key Takeaways
- The Instagram post depicted a guillotine alongside a play on Farage’s name.
- Police are investigating after Reform UK reported the image for incitement.
- The Green party claims Polanski was unaware of the offensive content when tagged.
- The incident follows the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, raising security concerns.
FAQ
What did Zack Polanski post on Instagram?
Polanski shared an image of a man wearing a T-shirt that read "we're only making plans for Nigel" alongside a picture of a guillotine. The post has since been deleted.
Why did Nigel Farage report the post?
Farage claimed the image incited murder, arguing that if he posted something similar, he would expect to be arrested. He called on police to treat Polanski the same way.
What is the police doing about this incident?
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report and are conducting inquiries. They take such reports seriously but have not yet made any arrests.
This developing story highlights the sharp divisions in UK political discourse and the ongoing debate over free speech versus incitement. As police continue their inquiries, both Farage and Polanski await the outcome.