Zack Polanski skewered as he refuses to answer simple question in car crash BBC interview

Zack Polanski skewered as he refuses to answer simple question in car crash BBC interview Charlie Stayt savaged the Green Party leader. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Jess Phillips , Deputy Showbiz Editor 09:28, Fri, Oct 9, 2026 Updated: 09:30, Fri, Oct 9, 2026 Zack Polanski repeatedly refused to answer a simple question (Image: BBC) BBC Breakfast descended into a political car crash this morning, as presenter Charlie Stayt grilled Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Polanski lost the Holborn and St Pancras by-election to Labour last night (October 8), after his party voted to define Zionism as racism in a controversial move. It was difficult for Stayt to get anything out of the politician, who has confirmed he will stay on as party leader despite his defeat to Labour in his own constituency. Stayt began by asking: “Had you been there to vote, which way would you have voted?”, to which Polanski replied: “Again, I’ve answered this question many times. I would have voted for the amendment, including to make sure-“ But Stayt cut him off to clarify : “So you would have voted against the motion? So people understand this, very clearly, you would have voted against the motion in the hall on that day? People know you weren’t there. But you would have voted against it?” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Polanski said: “I’m being really clear with you – the motion as amended, I would have voted for. The motion unamended, I wouldn’t have voted for.” Stayt then changed tack to ask: “Do you think this issue has done you any damage as leader?” Get reviews, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Polanski avoided the question and instead rambled: “I think there are lots of people in this country who recognise the context that 75,000 Palestinians have been murdered, when there has been 1,500 Palestinians murdered since the so-called ceasefire. There are more child amputees than any time in modern history. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT “I think people are disgusted and appalled by the genocide in Gaza, and the Green Party are absolutely unified for an end to a two-way arms embargo on Israel , an end of sharing intelligence and indeed boycott divestment and sanctions. We need to end the genocide.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Question Time viewers fume at 'worst episode ever' as small boat row erupts Celeb Traitors bombshell as 'unthinkable' incident forces show bosses to scrap huge plans Stayt then pressed: “People at home will be listening carefully to what you’re saying. My question was whether you think this issue, whether that vote, has damaged you as Green Party leader. That was my question.” Polanski replied, again avoiding the question: “I think people are crying out for leadership in this country that recognises that this government is still complicit, they are still selling arms licences to Israel, they are still supplying F-35 components to fighter jets… I think the majority of people in this country do not want to see innocent people die.” Stayt was clearly finished with the conversation as he sighed and repeated: “Okay, again, I appreciate… you’ve said that already, and it’s an important issue, but people will note you haven’t answered the question. Charlie Stayt wasn't letting it go (Image: BBC) “If I may, I’ll put to you the thoughts of a former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, who has criticised you for not taking part in that debate or vote. She said last night on Newsnight, ‘The jury was out on whether he would now show the leadership she believed was required’. That criticism is from one of your own!” Polanski simply retorted, without answering the question: “Well we have 220,000 members, and I like and respect Caroline a lot, she’s one of those members. She’s entitled to her opinion.” BBC Breakfast Charlie Stayt Zack Polanski BBC Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments