Green Party boss challenged on drug use as he makes ‘enjoyable police’ comment
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who backs relaxing the law around illegal drugs, was challenged about whether he had taken drugs after backing legalisation of drugs
Zack Polanski hit out at the “hypocritical approach” of politicians who have admitted taking drugs(Image: PA)
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who backs relaxing the law around illegal drugs, said he has never taken drugs or drunk alcohol in his life.
Mr Polanski hit out at the “hypocritical approach” of politicians who have admitted taking drugs at the same time as overseeing laws that jail people for drug-taking. He said a system change is needed to address drug use in the country.
Asked if he had taken drugs at university, Mr Polanski told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “I’ve actually never taken a drug in my life, or even drunk alcohol, but I still don’t sit here as the fun police.
“I very clearly believe people should be able to do what they want to do. It just wasn’t for me.”
Mr Polanski has previously said he wants to legalise all drugs. He initially did not answer whether such policy could send a message to people that the use of dangerous drugs is OK, turning the conversation to drink.
“Well first of all, we could talk about alcohol, which can sometimes be one of the most dangerous drugs,” Mr Polanski said. “And actually, we need a public health approach to that too.”
He continued: “First of all, there are thousands and thousands of unnecessary deaths from drug harm and from dangerous drugs, and actually, what we need is a public health approach.
“That’s not me saying that. That’s experts who work in the National Health Service who say this just isn’t working.
“So when I talk about legalising drugs, the key bit is it’s about legalising and regulating. If someone has a problematic relationship to drugs, then surely the answer is to make sure they’re seen by a medical health professional who can help them.”
Asked if his own sobriety was a position of principle, Mr Polanski said “not at all”. “I just grew up in school where a lot of my friends were drinking and in fact, taking drugs, and often it felt like someone needed to be sober,” he said.
“I’ve always liked dancing without taking a drink or drugs, as I say, though, if anyone wants to do it and they’re doing it safely, I’m really glad people are having a good time, but we know lots of people aren’t taking it safely, so let’s make sure they get the support.”
The London Assembly member claimed successive governments have had a “hypocritical approach” to illicit drugs.
He said: “When we’ve had ministers both from the Labour Government and the Conservative government who have openly said on record that they’ve taken drugs yet they’re incarcerating, ie putting in prison, people who have taken drugs, and very often, again, it’s disproportionately young, black and brown people.”
