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Rowley Rebukes Green MP Over False Tasered Police Claim

5/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Mark Rowley rebuked Green Party Zack Polanski for a tweet claiming officers kicked a tasered suspect in Golders Green, and Polanski apologized, calling the claim inaccurate.
Rowley defended the officers, saying they were unarmed and that their force was necessary.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and others called Polanski’s criticism disgraceful, said he is unfit, and noted Essa Suleiman remains in custody as the attack is deemed terrorist.

History

Historical Context

The 7 July 2005 suicide bombings, which killed 56 people and injured about 800, prompted Britain to expand armed police units and tighten security nationwide. Decades later, in 2024 Sir Mark Rowley defended unarmed officers after a Green Party MP accused them of excessive force during a Golders Green terrorism probe, underscoring the lasting tension between counter-terror tactics and civil-rights concerns.

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Story summary

Sir Mark Rowley rebuked Green Party Zack Polanski for a tweet claiming officers kicked a tasered suspect in Golders Green, and Polanski apologized, calling the claim inaccurate.
Rowley defended the officers, saying they were unarmed and that their force was necessary.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and others called Polanski’s criticism disgraceful, said he is unfit, and noted Essa Suleiman remains in custody as the attack is deemed terrorist.

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