Scotland Yard has confirmed it is investigating an Instagram post shared by the Green Party's deputy leader, Zack Polanski, which appeared to call for the beheading of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that officers were conducting enquiries into the image, which showed a man wearing a T-shirt bearing the message «We're only making plans for Nigel» alongside a guillotine. The post, which was later deleted, has sparked widespread condemnation from political figures and raised concerns over the level of online discourse in British politics.
The image was shared by Polanski on his Instagram account earlier this week, drawing immediate outrage from Reform UK MPs. Nigel Farage himself described the post as «sick» and called for Polanski to be arrested, arguing that it amounted to incitement. The Reform leader said the post could not be dismissed as mere satire given the current political climate, particularly after the alleged murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe just weeks earlier. The timing of the post has intensified the controversy, with critics accusing Polanski of showing a reckless disregard for the safety of public figures.
Polanski, who serves as a deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has not yet publicly commented on the police investigation. The Green Party has faced pressure to distance itself from the post, with some party members privately expressing concern that the incident undermines the party's commitment to non-violent political engagement. Reform UK MPs have demanded that Polanski face legal consequences, with one MP describing the post as «a direct threat» and urging the police to act swiftly.
The Metropolitan Police's decision to investigate the post reflects growing anxiety over the use of social media to target politicians. In recent years, online abuse and threats have become a persistent issue in British politics, with several MPs reporting an increase in hostile messages and violent imagery directed at them. The case has also reignited debate about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of public figures to avoid content that could be interpreted as encouraging violence.
Political analysts note that this incident comes at a time of heightened tension between the major parties, with the Reform UK and Green Party often clashing on issues such as climate policy, immigration, and constitutional reform. While the post itself may have been intended as satire or political commentary, its graphic nature has led to widespread criticism. The outcome of the police investigation could have broader implications for how social media posts by politicians are regulated and what constitutes acceptable political expression.
