Overview

• Zack Polanski proposed a tax on the assets of the richest 1%, with revenue earmarked for universal free childcare, SEND provision, rural buses and climate investment.
• He charged that Keir Starmer’s Labour is acting as a "handmaiden" to Reform UK, warning it risks handing the country to Nigel Farage’s movement.
• Polanski called for the proscription of Palestine Action to be withdrawn and warned of "alarm bells of authoritarianism" over protest curbs, digital ID plans and media restrictions.
• On the Middle East, he urged an end to UK arms sales and intelligence sharing with Israel, described the Gaza assault as genocide, and expressed sorrow over the Manchester synagogue attack.
• The Greens reported membership past 80,000 as Polanski’s confrontational debut drew scrutiny, including a radio defence of deputy Mothin Ali alongside a condemnation of antisemitism.