Newly elected Green Party leader Zack Polanski has set out an ambitious economic and social vision for the UK, pledging to tackle inequality and “end rip-off Britain” by taxing the nation’s wealthiest citizens. In his first major address as party leader at the Green Party conference in Bournemouth, Polanski urged a shift towards fairness, inclusivity, and compassion in British politics.
A New Era for the Green Party
In his 20-minute speech, Zack Polanski emphasized that the Green Party under his leadership would focus not only on environmental sustainability but also on addressing deep-rooted social and economic injustices. He described himself as an “eco-populist,” advocating policies that link environmental protection with economic reform.
“You cannot be an effective environmentalist without talking about the deep inequality in our society,” Polanski told the conference audience.
His approach signals a shift from a purely ecological agenda to a broader progressive platform, one that challenges both Labour and the Conservatives on issues of wealth, fairness, and democracy.
Taxing the Rich to Fund Public Services
The Green Party leader proposed a new wealth tax targeting the richest 1% of the UK population. According to Polanski, this policy would allow the government to fund vital social services such as universal free childcare, special needs education, and rural transport networks.
He argued that Britain’s current economic system is “built on austerity and privatisation,” locking millions in poverty while enriching a small elite.
“This is a country where a tiny few have taken our power and wealth. Things must change. It’s time to take it back,” Polanski declared.
He also addressed concerns from working-class voters, saying the tax proposals were not aimed at small business owners or workers. “We’re targeting people who make more money in one night than most people earn in a year,” he explained.
Standing Up for Migrants and Refugees
One of the defining moments of Zack Polanski’s speech came when he defended migrants and refugees to loud applause. He criticized politicians who “point the finger at people arriving in small boats instead of billionaires,” and reaffirmed the Green Party’s stance on compassion and global solidarity.
“We’ll say it loud, we’ll say it clear — migrants and refugees are welcome here,” he told the cheering audience.
Drawing from his own Jewish heritage and family history of migration from Latvia and Ukraine, Polanski said that welcoming those fleeing danger was a moral obligation deeply rooted in his values.
Criticizing Labour and Reform UK
In a sharp critique of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Polanski accused the party of being “handmaidens to Reform UK,” referencing Nigel Farage’s influence over mainstream politics. He called Farage a “Trump-loving corporate stooge” and accused Starmer of “jumping to his tune.”
Polanski’s fiery rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to distinguish the Green Party as a true alternative to what he called “a political class poisoned by extreme wealth.”
Beyond the Environment: A Broader Vision
Unusually for a Green Party leader, Polanski’s speech focused less on climate policy and more on economic justice, housing, and social unity. He acknowledged that while environmental issues remain central, they cannot be separated from inequality, poverty, and access to public services.
“The cost-of-living crisis, homelessness, and rising rent are all symptoms of an economic model that serves the wealthy few,” he said.
Polanski also denounced what he described as a “draconian crackdown on the right to protest,” criticizing new government measures on surveillance, digital IDs, and restrictions on journalists.
A Rising Force in UK Politics
Since the 2024 general election, the Green Party has seen a significant surge in support, winning four MPs and 74 local council seats in 2025. Membership has also grown by 20%, reaching 80,000 members, its highest ever.
Zack Polanski, who also serves on the London Assembly, won the leadership contest last month in a landslide victory. His direct and impassioned approach appears to be resonating with a growing base of voters frustrated by the status quo.
He has also expressed openness to collaboration with other left-leaning figures, including Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, as part of a wider movement against “fascism and the far right.”
The Road Ahead
As the Green Party leader, Polanski aims to redefine what progressive politics looks like in the UK — blending environmental advocacy with bold economic reform. His message of taxing the rich, defending migrants, and rebuilding public services could signal a major realignment on the British left.
While critics question the feasibility of his wealth tax proposals, supporters see Polanski as the energetic new face of a movement that could challenge Labour’s dominance and push environmental and social justice to the forefront of British politics.
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