Reform UK has accused the Metropolitan Police of applying “two-tier policing” after the force decided not to pursue any action against Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, for sharing a social media post that appeared to threaten Reform leader Nigel Farage.

The post in question featured a photo of a Green supporter at a Bristol event wearing a T-shirt with an image of a guillotine and the caption, “We’re only making plans for Nigel.” Following the incident, Mr Farage reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police, describing the sharing of the image as “beyond belief.”

On Wednesday evening, Scotland Yard announced it would take no further action against Mr Polanski, stating that sharing the image was unlikely to constitute a criminal offence and that Mr Polanski himself had not seen the specific picture. The police also noted that about 130 individuals and organizations had shared the image, which would require a broader investigation if criminal charges were to be considered.

Reform UK responded strongly to the decision. A party spokesman said the ruling highlighted a “two-tier Britain,” alleging that Mr Polanski was permitted to “get away with inciting murder,” while ordinary citizens face police scrutiny for online jokes. Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs spokesman, reiterated claims of unequal policing and questioned how the situation might have been handled if roles were reversed.

Data show that police nationwide made over 12,000 arrests in 2023 under legislation related to offensive communications and malicious messages online. Forty-four prosecutions were initiated in 2024 for social media posts that could incite racial hatred.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had referred the individual wearing the T-shirt to Avon and Somerset Police, saying a crime should be recorded against them. However, Avon and Somerset Police later stated that the threshold for a criminal offence had not been met.

A Green Party spokesperson defended Mr Polanski, emphasizing that police had reviewed the evidence and found no criminal wrongdoing. They accused Reform UK of politicizing the incident to deflect attention from questions regarding their own funding.

In media appearances following the controversy, Mr Polanski declined to apologize to Mr Farage, stressing that he immediately removed the post upon realizing the issue. Nonetheless, some within the Green Party expressed reservations about Mr Polanski’s handling of the situation. Ellie Chowns, a Green MP for North Herefordshire, stated she would have apologized promptly if in his position.

Further scrutiny arose after it was revealed that Mr Polanski had liked posts on social media accusing his political opponents of supporting Adolf Hitler, despite previously committing to improved social media conduct. One such post, endorsed by Mr Polanski, criticized double standards between left- and right-wing politicians.

The controversy may also have repercussions within City Hall, where Mr Polanski has served as a London Assembly member since 2021. Reform UK has lodged a complaint with the Greater London Authority (GLA), and its monitoring officer is assessing whether an investigation into potential breaches of the members’ code of conduct is warranted. Should wrongdoing be established, Mr Polanski could be required to issue an apology.

The confrontation between Mr Polanski and Mr Farage escalated against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Reform spokesman. A 28-year-old man has been charged with her alleged murder, with a trial provisionally scheduled for June next year.

In response to threats against their members, Reform UK announced it would provide round-the-clock security for its MPs and senior officials. Mr Farage has reported receiving over 500 death threats, while Deputy Leader Richard Tice described an incident in which he activated a panic alarm after being followed near the parliamentary estate late last year. The individual involved was subsequently arrested.