Police are investigating Green party leader Zack Polanski after he shared an Instagram post showing a man wearing a T-shirt that reads “we’re only making plans for Nigel” alongside a guillotine. The image, which Reform UK reported as inciting murder, has sparked a heated political controversy.
What Happened: Polanski’s Instagram Post
The post, now deleted, featured 20 images, one of which included the guillotine and the T-shirt. Zack Polanski, who leads the Green party, was tagged in the post and later shared it. Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf called it “inciting murder,” pointing to the recent murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.
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Reform UK and Farage Respond
Nigel Farage shared a screenshot on X, writing: “If I was to post anything as inciteful then I would expect to be arrested, and so should Polanski.” Reform UK said the timing – weeks after Widdecombe was killed with a hammer – was “staggering.”
| Party | Key Statement |
|---|---|
| Reform UK (Zia Yusuf) | “Polanski is inciting murder. It must be treated as such by the police.” |
| Green party spokesperson | “The T‑shirt is in poor taste, and he condemns the image. He accepted the tag without seeing all content.” |
| Metropolitan Police | “We received a third‑party report and are conducting inquiries.” |
Police Statement and Next Steps
A Metropolitan police spokesperson confirmed they are “conducting inquiries” after a third‑party report. No arrest has been made, but officers are reviewing the post.
Key Takeaways
- Zack Polanski shared an Instagram post featuring a guillotine and a T‑shirt referencing Nigel Farage.
- Reform UK reported it as inciting murder, citing the recent killing of Ann Widdecombe.
- Polanski and the Green party have apologized, calling it “poor taste.”
- Police are actively investigating the matter.
FAQ
Why did police investigate Zack Polanski?
Police received a third‑party report after Polanski shared an Instagram post that appeared to call for violence against Nigel Farage.
What did the image show?
The post contained a photo of a man in a black T‑shirt reading “we’re only making plans for Nigel” alongside a picture of a guillotine.
Has Zack Polanski faced consequences?
The image was deleted, and Polanski condemned it. Police inquiries are ongoing; no charges have been filed.
This incident highlights the sharp lines around political speech and the danger of sharing content that can be interpreted as threatening. The Green party has urged “kindness” in public discourse, while Reform UK continues to demand police action.