Polanski apologises for sharing post criticising police

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has issued an apology after sharing a social media post that criticised police officers involved in the arrest of a suspect in the Golders Green attack. Polanski had reposted a message accusing officers of "repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by Taser." In his statement, Polanski acknowledged that sharing the tweet was done "in haste" and admitted that social media was not the appropriate platform to comment on police actions. The incident sparked a strong reaction from political figures, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who condemned Polanski’s decision as "disgraceful." Starmer defended the police officers involved, saying he had met them and understood their actions given the circumstances, including concerns that the suspect might have been carrying explosives. He emphasised the difficult decisions officers face in such high-pressure situations. Polanski responded by accusing the prime minister of using his position to attack him politically, highlighting his status as the only Jewish party leader. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, also publicly criticised Polanski’s comments, describing them as "inaccurate and misinformed" in a letter that underscored the importance of supporting operational policing. Sir Mark’s intervention is notable given the usual reluctance of senior police officials to engage directly in political disputes, especially ahead of upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and parts of England. The Met has released body-worn camera footage from the officers involved, showing their repeated commands for the suspect to comply. Polanski has invited Sir Mark to meet and discuss the police response and broader issues raised, stressing the need for leadership to "lower the temperature" amid heightened tensions. The episode highlights the challenges of balancing public scrutiny of police conduct with the operational demands faced by officers during emergency situations, as well as the political sensitivities surrounding law enforcement criticism in the current climate.