PMQs Erupts as Starmer Attacks Green Party's Defence and Drug Policies
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer launched a blistering assault on the Green Party during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, accusing them of being "high on drugs, soft on Putin" in a heated exchange that exposed deep political divisions over defence and narcotics policy.
Nuclear Disarmament and NATO Withdrawal Claims
The confrontation began when Green MP Ellie Chowns raised concerns about agricultural pollution receiving minimal attention in the government's water white paper. Responding to her query, Starmer pivoted to attack Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski's foreign policy positions.
"I have to say, as someone who stood to lead her party, I wonder what she makes of how her leader is responding to this global uncertainty," Starmer stated, before launching into his criticism of Polanski's defence stance.
The Prime Minister claimed Polanski advocates for withdrawing from NATO, removing US military bases from UK soil, and negotiating with Vladimir Putin to abandon Britain's nuclear deterrent.
"I'm sure Putin will be very quick on the line for that one," Starmer remarked sarcastically. "It's as reckless and irresponsible as their plan to legalise heroin and crack cocaine. That's the Green Party now: high on drugs, soft on Putin."
Polanski's Swift Social Media Retort
Green Party leader Zack Polanski quickly responded to the Prime Minister's attack through social media, firing back with his own criticism of the Labour government.
"Labour are low in the polls and hard on the country," Polanski wrote. "Fair play to whichever special advisor has written Keir a bit of a snarky line. Maybe Keir could take that energy to Trump on the warpath or the billionaire bosses ruining this country?"
Background to the Policy Disagreements
The exchange highlighted longstanding policy differences that have been brewing for months. In October last year, Polanski told the BBC he supports legalising all drugs, advocating for a public health-led approach rather than criminalisation.
Earlier this week, in an interview with the Guardian, the Green leader elaborated on his defence positions, stating his belief that NATO cannot be reformed from within due to Donald Trump's dominance within the alliance.
"We should be reviewing US bases on UK soil, and actually looking at a genuine strategic defence review," Polanski told the newspaper. He also argued the government should pursue diplomatic efforts to encourage nuclear-armed nations to disarm, questioning: "If we're not willing to have conversations about peace and diplomacy – that part of those conversations look at everyone denuclearising – then what are we doing here?"
Water Policy Dispute Sparks Broader Conflict
The initial question about agricultural pollution in the water white paper served as the catalyst for the wider confrontation. Starmer defended his government's approach to water issues, stating they had "inherited a real mess on water" and were taking necessary steps to address it.
However, the discussion rapidly escalated beyond environmental policy to encompass fundamental disagreements about national security, international alliances, and drug legislation.
The Green Party has been contacted for further comment regarding the Prime Minister's accusations and their policy positions on defence and narcotics regulation.
