Zack Polanski and the Green Party Conference Gain Column Inches
Who is Zack Polanski?
- New leader of the Green Party (elected last month).
- First conference speech as leader, held in Bournemouth.
- Aims to grow the Greens from a protest movement into a parliamentary force.
What Did He Say?
On Labour & Reform
- Accused Labour of copying Reform UK on migration and rights:
"Labour are the handmaidens of Reform." - Claimed Starmer's government cracks down on freedoms while ignoring the climate crisis.
- Said the Greens could "rocket through the polls" like Reform, but offering hope not despair.
On Nigel Farage
- Branded Farage a:
"Trump-loving, tax-avoiding, science-denying, NHS-dismantling corporate stooge." - Said Labour now dances to Farage's tune.
On Migration
- Clear, pro-migrant stance:
"Migrants and refugees are welcome here." - Condemned Labour for proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group, calling it "draconian."
On Gaza
- Said the Greens will "never be silent" about the "mass slaughter" in Palestine.
- Criticised Labour's recognition of Palestinian statehood as "cynical and morbid", arguing the UK is complicit through arms sales.
On Inequality
- Called for a wealth tax on the richest 1%.
- Framed politics as about "taking back power from the tiny few."
- Promised to cut living costs, protect the NHS, and challenge corporate power.
On Identity & Rights
- Reflected on his Jewish family history of migration and hiding identities.
- Said he "changed his name back" as an act of pride.
- Warned:
"The alarm bells of authoritarianism are ringing loud and clear."
Labour's Response
- Dismissed Polanski's rhetoric as divisive:
"He is sowing division and grievance." - Claimed Labour is focused on "national renewal" and delivering practical change.
Key Terms
- Handmaidens (political metaphor): Suggests Labour is serving or enabling Reform's politics.
- Proscription: Official banning of a group as a terrorist organisation.
- Wealth tax: A tax on assets (like property, shares, savings), not just income.
- Authoritarianism: Government style that restricts freedoms and rights, often centralising power.
Why Does This Matter?
- Shows how smaller parties like the Greens position themselves against Labour and Reform.
- Reveals tensions between rights vs security (migration, protest bans, Digital IDs).
- Illustrates how foreign policy (Gaza) can become a domestic political dividing line.
- Raises question: Can the Greens grow beyond one or two MPs into a larger parliamentary presence?
Exam Angle
This speech can be linked to:
- Party competition: How minor parties challenge the "big two."
- Rights & liberties: Protest bans, migration rights, anti-terror laws.
- Ideological conflict: Authoritarian vs libertarian traditions in UK politics.
- Impact of smaller parties: Can they shape debates despite limited seats?
Discussion Questions
- Why does Polanski call Labour the "handmaidens of Reform UK"? What does this suggest about party competition?
- How does the Green Party's stance on migration differ from Labour and Reform?
- What risks and opportunities are there in taking strong positions on divisive issues like Gaza?
- How might a wealth tax on the top 1% change UK politics and society?
- To what extent do smaller parties influence mainstream political debate in the UK?
