Green Party Leader Challenged on Personal Drug Use Amid Legalisation Advocacy
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, a prominent advocate for relaxing laws around illegal substances, has faced direct questioning about his own personal experiences with drugs. The London Assembly member, who supports the legalisation of all drugs, made his position clear during a recent television appearance.
Personal Abstinence and Policy Position
When specifically asked if he had taken drugs during his university years, Mr Polanski provided a definitive response to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme. "I've actually never taken a drug in my life, or even drunk alcohol," he stated, before adding an important qualification about his policy stance. "But I still don't sit here as the fun police. I very clearly believe people should be able to do what they want to do. It just wasn't for me."
This personal revelation creates an interesting contrast with his political platform, which calls for significant reform of the UK's approach to drug regulation and control.
Criticism of Political Hypocrisy
Mr Polanski used the opportunity to criticise what he described as a "hypocritical approach" among politicians from both major parties. He pointed to ministers from successive Labour and Conservative governments who have openly admitted to past drug use while simultaneously overseeing laws that criminalise others for similar behaviour.
"When we've had ministers both from the Labour Government and the Conservative government who have openly said on record that they've taken drugs yet they're incarcerating, ie putting in prison, people who have taken drugs," he argued. "And very often, again, it's disproportionately young, black and brown people."
Advocating for a Public Health Approach
The Green Party leader emphasised that his support for legalisation is fundamentally connected to regulation and harm reduction. He redirected the conversation toward established public health principles when questioned about whether legalisation might send mixed messages about drug safety.
"Well first of all, we could talk about alcohol, which can sometimes be one of the most dangerous drugs," Mr Polanski responded. "And actually, we need a public health approach to that too."
He elaborated on this perspective by highlighting the human cost of current policies. "First of all, there are thousands and thousands of unnecessary deaths from drug harm and from dangerous drugs, and actually, what we need is a public health approach."
Expert Backing and Regulatory Framework
Mr Polanski stressed that his position aligns with professional medical opinion rather than representing a personal crusade. "That's not me saying that. That's experts who work in the National Health Service who say this just isn't working," he explained.
His vision for legalisation includes specific regulatory components designed to protect vulnerable individuals. "So when I talk about legalising drugs, the key bit is it's about legalising and regulating," he clarified. "If someone has a problematic relationship to drugs, then surely the answer is to make sure they're seen by a medical health professional who can help them."
Personal Principles and Social Responsibility
When questioned whether his personal sobriety represented a moral position, Mr Polanski dismissed this interpretation. "Not at all," he responded, explaining that his choices stemmed from social circumstances rather than principle.
"I just grew up in school where a lot of my friends were drinking and in fact, taking drugs, and often it felt like someone needed to be sober," he recalled. This experience appears to have shaped both his personal choices and his political perspective on substance use.
He concluded with a balanced view that acknowledges both personal freedom and public safety concerns. "I've always liked dancing without taking a drink or drugs, as I say, though, if anyone wants to do it and they're doing it safely, I'm really glad people are having a good time," he stated. "But we know lots of people aren't taking it safely, so let's make sure they get the support."
The Green Party leader's comments highlight the complex intersection between personal behaviour, political responsibility, and public health policy in the ongoing national debate about drug law reform.
