Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, was reported to police by Reform UK after reposting an Instagram carousel that included a photograph of a T‑shirt showing the name "Nigel" above a guillotine. Polanski says he removed the image as soon as he was alerted and the Green Party condemned the message. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a third‑party report and are making enquiries; Reform UK also plans to refer the matter to the Greater London Assembly monitoring officer. The incident has intensified debate about politicians' security following the recent death of Ann Widdecombe.
Reform UK Reports Green Leader Zack Polanski to Police Over Instagram 'Guillotine' T‑Shirt Image
[Getty Images]
Reform UK has reported Green Party leader Zack Polanski to the police after he shared an Instagram post that included a photograph of a man wearing a T‑shirt bearing the name "Nigel" above an image of a guillotine.
One of the photos in a carousel showed a man in a black T‑shirt emblazoned with a large guillotine and the words: "We're only making plans for Nigel." The phrase is also the title and lyric of a 1979 song by the band XTC.
How the Post Was Shared
Polanski, who has about 713,000 followers on Instagram, accepted a collaboration request and reposted a series of around 20 images from a Green Party event. A Green Party spokesperson said Polanski removed the contested image as soon as it was pointed out and "unequivocally does not support this type of dangerous message." The BBC understands Polanski has not been directly contacted by police.
Official Responses
"We received a third‑party report relating to an image shared on social media. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting enquiries into the matter," the Metropolitan Police said on X.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared a screenshot on X and wrote: "If I was to post anything as inciteful then I would expect to be arrested, and so should Polanski." Reform's home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf described the shirt as a photo "calling for the beheading of Nigel Farage" and said the party had reported the post to police and would refer Polanski to the Greater London Assembly monitoring officer.
Context And Security Concerns
The complaint comes amid heightened concern about the safety of public figures after the death of prominent Reform member Ann Widdecombe on 9 July; a 28‑year‑old man has been charged in relation to her death. The incident has reignited debate about security for politicians, with calls for reviews and extra protection from several political figures.
Polanski and the Green Party urged restraint in public discourse and emphasized that the T‑shirt image does not reflect Polanski's views. The Metropolitan Police say enquiries are ongoing.
Source: BBC
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