I’ve never taken drugs or drunk alcohol, says Zack Polanski

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Donna FergusonFebruary 1, 2026 at 02:28 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Green party leader Zack Polanski stated in a BBC interview that he has never used drugs or alcohol but advocates for the legalization and regulation of all drugs. He criticized politicians who admit past drug use while supporting the imprisonment of drug users, arguing for a public health approach to prevent drug-related deaths. Polanski responded to Keir Starmer's accusation that the Green party is "high on drugs," calling the remark disgraceful and highlighting the racial disparities in drug-related arrests. He believes the current war on drugs is ineffective, pushing drug use into a dangerous black market. While initially deflecting a question about the message legalizing Class A drugs would send to young people, he ultimately argued that the present system is more dangerous.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Conservative 35% Labour 35% London Assembly 40% Russia 45% BBC 50% Putin ×255% Laura Kuenssberg ×260% Green Party ×270% Keir Starmer ×275% Zack Polanski ×595%

Keywords

drug legalisation 90% zack polanski 80% drug policy 70% public health approach 70% war on drugs 60% drug use 60% keir starmer 50% racialised drug enforcement 50% green party 40%