Robert Jenrick, a Reform UK Member of Parliament, has called on Green Party leader Zack Polanski to address unrest within his party after Polanski circulated an image on social media some critics say incited violence against former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. The shared image depicted a man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a guillotine and the phrase “We’re only making plans for Nigel.”
Polanski removed the image after its circulation drew criticism but declined to issue an apology when questioned by a national broadcaster. He described the posting as a “mistake” but maintained he would only apologize if the action had been intentional. When further pressed on whether the post was inappropriate, Polanski instead suggested Farage should apologize for allegedly endangering others.
The Metropolitan Police announced on Wednesday that they would not pursue any investigation against Polanski over the social media post. Reform UK criticized the decision, alleging that the Metropolitan Police were engaging in “two-tier” policing by clearing Polanski while previously arresting others for similar social media content.
Jenrick expressed skepticism over the police response, noting that many individuals have faced arrests for comparable posts. Speaking at a press conference in Central London, he said it was “curious” that authorities chose not to act in this instance. When asked about how Polanski should “clean up” his party, Jenrick replied wryly, “Well, he could resign, I suppose.” He further branded Polanski “a nasty piece of work” and urged him to apologize to Farage, questioning what “a decent person” would do in such circumstances.
Farage, who has been open about the heightened security risks since becoming an MP, reportedly receives more than 300 threats monthly, according to Reform UK. He recently stated that his government-provided security had been reduced to levels that made it difficult to continue effectively in his role.
The Green Party maintained that no crime had been committed, emphasizing that police had thoroughly reviewed the evidence before deciding not to take further action. A party spokesperson accused Reform UK of exploiting the incident as a “political football” aimed at diverting attention from questions surrounding Reform’s own funding.
The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on allegations of discriminatory policing. Jenrick made his remarks during an event where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced a review into social care reform. At the same event, Jenrick also criticized an alleged 10% “death tax” proposal linked to Burnham, warning it would be “unfair, impractical and cruel,” and might make Britain the “single-worst place” in the Western world to pass wealth to heirs.