Full Breakdown
Reform UK reports Green Party leader Zack Polanski to police over alleged incitement to murder
7/28/2026, 3:05:47 PM
Core Incident
On 27 July 2026 the Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received a third-party report concerning an image shared on social media. The phrase is taken from a 1979 XTC song. After the post was identified, Reform UK reported Polanski to the police, alleging incitement to murder. The party also said it would refer the matter to the Greater London Assembly’s monitoring officer. Polanski removed the post shortly after it was brought to his attention.
Background & Context
The incident occurred two weeks after the murder of Reform UK immigration spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe on 9 July 2026, a killing that has intensified public debate over the security of political figures. The use of a guillotine image has been described as “poor taste” given the heightened threats faced by public officials.
Official Statements & Responses
- Reform UK’s home-affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf described the post as “inciting murder” and called for police action.
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, posted on X that anyone posting similarly “should expect to be arrested.”
- The Metropolitan Police issued a statement that it was taking the report “extremely seriously” and that officers were conducting enquiries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I was to post anything as inciteful then I would expect to be arrested, and so should Polanski.” — Nigel Farage
- “Once this image was brought to [Zack's] attention he immediately unshared the post. He unequivocally does not support this type of dangerous message.” — Green Party spokesperson
- “We received a third-party report relating to an image shared on social media. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting enquiries into the matter.” — Metropolitan Police
- “To do this just two weeks after our friend Ann was murdered is staggering,” — Zia Yusuf, home affairs spokesperson
Data & Statistics
- Polanski’s Instagram post reached an audience of 713,000 followers before removal.
- The shared Instagram carousel contained 20 images, of which the guillotine T-shirt was one.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source disputes that the image was posted or that Reform UK filed a police report. The investigation’s outcome remains pending, and no police statements have confirmed whether the material meets the legal threshold for incitement.
What’s Next
The Metropolitan Police continue their enquiry; no further scheduled actions have been announced.
