Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for a public inquiry into the conduct and culture of the press, following what he described as unfair media coverage of issues involving the party. Polanski’s call comes amid renewed media attention on his leadership and the party’s direction, after a period of relative quiet in public discourse.

Polanski’s criticism targets the portrayal of the Green Party in recent journalism, including reporting on the Jason Arday affair and commentary on social and environmental topics. He insists it is “time we sorted out the Press,” advocating for an inquiry that would examine journalistic standards and practices in scrutinising political organisations.

Public inquiries in the UK have historically been extensive processes, reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses under oath, and assessing the behaviour of individuals and organisations. Previous high-profile inquiries include the 2003 Hutton Inquiry into the circumstances around the Iraq war dossier and investigations into the Covid-19 pandemic response and the Post Office Horizon scandal. These inquiries have shed light on the relationship between institutions and the media, issues of transparency, and governmental accountability.

While Polanski calls for scrutiny of the press, critics argue that an inquiry into the Green Party itself may be more appropriate. The party’s recent trajectory has drawn considerable debate. Once characterised by environmentalism and a primarily middle-class base, the Greens have been described by some observers as having shifted towards more radical left-wing positions, attracting controversy over rhetoric and policies.

Among the contentious developments cited are statements by the party’s deputy leader, Mothin Ali, who in 2024 made a speech praising Gaza while displaying a Palestinian flag and invoking the phrase “Allahu Akbar.” Some critics view such gestures as emblematic of a party now associated with urban Marxism and accusations of anti-Semitism. The Greens’ policy platform includes proposals such as increased taxation, a ban on new petrol cars, reduced defence spending including nuclear disarmament, and public health measures addressing drug use through prescription access to heroin and regulated cannabis sales.

There has also been scrutiny over the party's stance on law enforcement. In May, Polanski faced criticism after sharing a social media post that challenged the actions of Metropolitan Police officers detaining a suspect involved in stabbings in north London. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, described Polanski’s comments as “inaccurate and misinformed.” The party’s “crime and justice working group” previously proposed motions to reduce funding for policing and prisons and restrict police use of pepper spray and Tasers; these motions were later withdrawn.

These controversies come amid concerns over public safety, highlighted by the deaths of two police officers in Middlesbrough during attempts to apprehend joyriders.

The Green Party has maintained polling figures between 10 to 15 percent nationally, drawing notable support among younger and student voters. Some political analysts suggest that apprehension toward the party influenced internal dynamics within the Labour Party, contributing to challenges faced by its leadership.

Observers remain divided on the Greens’ impact on the political landscape—some seeing them as a protest vote or transient movement, while others warn of more profound ideological shifts. The debate over media coverage and calls for inquiry continue to underscore tensions between political entities and the press in current British politics.