Polanski Defends Police Scrutiny After Apology Over Golders Green Tweet

Context The Golders Green stabbing on Wednesday left two Jewish men seriously injured and was classified by police as a terror incident. The suspect, 45‑year‑old Essa Suleiman, faces three counts of attempted murder and an additional charge for assaulting a long‑time acquaintance in Southwark.

Key Facts Polanski reposted a claim that officers had violently kicked a mentally ill man who was already subdued by a Taser. He later called the post “a tweet in haste” and apologized, saying social media was the wrong venue for his concerns. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley responded by accusing Polanski of spreading “inaccurate and misinformed commentary.”

During a BBC interview, Polanski said he remains “very concerned” about the police response and that officers “should not be above scrutiny.” He added that any police action must be “proportionate, no matter how brave.” The Green Party leader also requested a meeting with Sir Mark to discuss the matter.

Labour Communities Secretary Steve Reed called Polanski’s apology “shameful” and said it “means nothing” while he continues to denigrate police. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson echoed the criticism, suggesting the apology was a façade.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, reacting to the broader fallout, urged prosecution of those chanting “globalise the intifada” at demonstrations, labeling the slogan an example of “extreme racism.” Polanski said he disagrees with the prime minister’s stance, would discourage the phrase, but does not want to police language, emphasizing free speech and protest rights.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander clarified the government is not seeking an outright ban on protests but will take “appropriate steps” to address the issue. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for a moratorium on pro‑Palestinian marches, arguing they normalise hatred toward Jews.

What It Means Polanski’s insistence on police accountability keeps the debate over law‑enforcement transparency alive, even as political leaders clash over protest limits and hate‑speech enforcement. The next test will be whether the Metropolitan Police adjust its tactics in response to both the terror attack and the mounting pressure from opposition figures.