Zack Polanski, Green Party leader since September 2025, is making waves as UK politics shifts left amid energy, climate, and anti-racism protests.
The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February is intensifying internal Labour party conflicts. Labour blocked Mayor Andy Burnham from standing, citing resource concerns, amid fears of losing the seat to Reform UK and the Greens. The decision has triggered criticism and increased speculation about leadership challenges within Labour.
The Green party leader Zack Polanski has not stood in the Gorton and Denton byelection on February 26, citing he is waiting for the Holborn and St Pancras contest. Labour criticises his absence, claiming it shows a lack of confidence. The byelection is seen as a test of party support amid national political tensions.
On 13 February 2026, the UK High Court ruled the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group unlawful, citing disproportionate interference with free speech and assembly rights. The ban remains temporarily in place pending appeal. Since July 2025, over 2,700 arrests have been made under the ban, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges.
In the Gorton and Denton by-election, allegations of high levels of illegal family voting have emerged, with election observers reporting the highest incidence in a decade. The Electoral Commission and police are investigating, amid claims from parties about potential electoral misconduct and questions over the legitimacy of the results.
Hannah Spencer, a Green Party candidate and former plumber, won a parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton, overturning nearly a century of Labour dominance. The result signals a significant shift in voter sentiment and challenges for Labour's leadership amid broader political fragmentation in Britain.
Labour suffered a significant defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with the Greens winning a seat Labour had held for nearly a century. Lucy Powell suggests Burnham's popularity could have helped Labour retain the seat, highlighting internal party disagreements and strategic missteps.
As of March 10, 2026, the UK has deployed the HMS Dragon destroyer and counter-drone helicopters to the eastern Mediterranean following an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on March 1. British Typhoon and F-35 jets are actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones in the Middle East. The UK has authorized limited US use of British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites amid escalating regional tensions.
Over the past days, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting US and regional assets, retaliating against US and Israeli strikes. The conflict has caused regional disruptions, including airspace closures, flight cancellations, and civilian casualties, with ongoing military exchanges and international concern.
A YouGov poll shows divided UK opinion on US military actions against Iran, with 49% opposing and 28% supporting. UK initially refused to allow bases for strikes but later permitted US use. Prime Minister Starmer emphasizes lawful, defensive measures amid escalating Middle East conflict.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new immigration reforms, including reviewing asylum status every 30 months and removing support for illegal work, aiming to control migration and reduce costs. The policies follow Denmarkâs model and respond to political pressures after recent election losses.
The UK Home Secretary announced new immigration policies including temporary refugee status, removal of support for illegal workers, and incentives for voluntary deportation. The proposals aim to curb small boat crossings and illegal migration, sparking opposition from Labour and human rights groups. The policies are set to be piloted soon.
Angela Rayner has publicly criticised Keir Starmer's leadership, warning Labour is 'running out of time' and calling for urgent change. She attacked government immigration reforms and signalled her leadership ambitions amid upcoming local elections and party turmoil.
The UK government is considering support measures for energy bills as the Iran conflict threatens supplies and pushes up prices. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized planning for a prolonged conflict, while officials monitor fuel supplies and potential profiteering amid global oil price spikes.
Green leader Zack Polanski outlined a new economic vision emphasizing wellbeing, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. He proposed policies including a wealth tax, rent controls, and renationalisation of water, criticizing current fiscal rules and Brexit's economic impact. The speech signals a strategic move to attract left-leaning voters.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other Labour figures advocate rejoining the EU, citing Brexit's economic damage and global instability. Khan suggests Labour should commit to rejoining in the next election manifesto, while the government maintains its red lines against re-entry into the customs union and single market.
Public satisfaction with the NHS has increased for the first time since 2019, reaching 26%, according to recent surveys. While dissatisfaction remains high at 51%, government efforts to improve services are showing signs of progress, with plans to address underperforming trusts and reduce waiting times. However, public confidence varies across age groups and regions.
Avi Lewis has been elected leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, promising to rebuild the party after its worst electoral losses. Lewis, known for his anti-Zionist stance and family political legacy, campaigned on principles including affordability and the environment. His victory signals a shift in the party's direction.
Hundreds of civic groups organized the largest protest in UK history to oppose right-wing extremism. The march drew between 50,000 and 500,000 participants, featuring speeches from politicians and musicians. Police made 25 arrests, including supporters of banned groups. The event occurred ahead of upcoming elections amid rising far-right support.
Zack Polanski, leader of the UK Green Party, has called for the government to impose sanctions on Israel and withdraw from the UK-Israel trade agreement following Israeli strikes on Lebanon that have killed over 250 people. He also urges banning US military use of UK airspace amid ongoing Middle East conflict.
Recent reports reveal that multiple Reform UK candidates have shared extremist, racist, and sexist social media posts. Despite Nigel Farage's claims of improved vetting, allegations of offensive remarks and links to far-right supporters have emerged, raising questions about candidate screening ahead of the May local elections. The party's vetting procedures are under scrutiny.