Police have confirmed they are carrying out enquiries after receiving a report about an image that appeared on Green Party leader Zack Polanski’s Instagram account, following a complaint from Reform UK.
What has happened
The image in question was said to show a man wearing a black T‑shirt with the words “We’re only making plans for Nigel” alongside an illustration of a guillotine. The photograph was later removed from Mr Polanski’s account. Reform UK public figures shared a screenshot on social media and publicly criticised the post.
“Earlier today – Monday, 27 July – 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 inquiries into the matter.”
The Metropolitan Police statement confirms an inquiry is under way but gives no further detail on whether any criminal offences will be charged. The comment followed a public complaint from Reform UK, whose leader shared the screenshot online.
Responses from the parties involved
The Green Party has said Mr Polanski “condemns the image on the T‑shirt”, explaining he was tagged in a multi‑image post and accepted the tag without noticing the particular image at the time.
Reform UK described the image as incitement, saying it was especially inflammatory to share it in the wake of threats and attacks against public figures. The party’s home affairs spokesperson accused Mr Polanski of encouraging violence.
- Report made: Third‑party report to police on 27 July
- Subject: Image featuring message about Nigel Farage and a guillotine
- Current status: Police conducting enquiries; no charges announced
Context and local implications
Incidents of controversial material being shared by politicians on social platforms have heightened scrutiny of online conduct, particularly when public figures or campaigning parties are involved. Local readers should note that police involvement at this stage means inquiries are ongoing and that sharing or amplifying potentially threatening imagery can itself attract attention from authorities.
The matter also underlines how swiftly digital posts can be disseminated, prompting political fallout before context or intent is clarified. The Green Party’s explanation that Mr Polanski accepted a tag is a common response when users are added to multi‑image posts they did not curate directly.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 27 July | Third‑party report received by police; enquiries under way |
The Metropolitan Police has not provided further operational details; anyone with information relevant to the inquiry should contact them through official channels. As matters develop, readers in St Helens and beyond can expect statements from the political parties involved and potential updates from law enforcement if the inquiry identifies further lines of investigation.
Local constituents who follow political debate on social media may find the episode a reminder to exercise caution when sharing material that could be interpreted as threatening or incitatory. The legal threshold for offences linked to threatening or inflammatory posts can depend on context, perceived intent and impact.
