London, UK – Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has articulated a staunch endorsement of Scottish independence, framing the movement as an inevitable force against what he describes as Westminster's persistent grip. His pronouncements follow a recent visit to Scotland, during which he met with Scottish Green Party figures.
Polanski's stance signifies a clear ideological alignment with the Scottish independence movement, positioning the desire for self-determination as a fundamental right of the Scottish people, akin to any sovereign nation's prerogative to chart its own constitutional course. He drew a parallel between the UK government's resistance to a referendum and a host's refusal to allow departing guests to leave a party.
Independence Push Gathers Momentum
During a press conference held Friday, Polanski stated that "the people of Scotland are sovereign, they are entitled to take their own decisions about the constitutional future of Scotland." He added, "if they have a desire to do so they should be able to do so." This emphatic backing comes amidst ongoing debate about the conditions for a second independence referendum, with the SNP leader, John Swinney, setting a target of winning a majority of seats in the upcoming Holyrood election.
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Polanski directly challenged the UK government's stance, particularly comments made by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has been firm in his rejection of another referendum, even if the SNP achieves a majority. Polanski’s argument suggests that a government determined to retain a populace that has demonstrably expressed a desire to leave is inherently flawed. He alluded to a "stunned silence" from rival UK parties when the question of how Scotland can express its will regarding the union is raised.
Economic Discontent Fuels Green Growth
The Green Party leader connected the push for independence to broader socio-economic conditions. He pointed to a "sense of people just recognising that the cost of living is hitting people really hard," describing it as a "toxic combination of low wages and high bills." This economic strain, he suggested, is a significant factor contributing to a surge in Green Party membership in both Scotland and England. The Scottish Greens, he noted, have recently surpassed 10,000 members.
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Polanski also voiced support for Welsh independence, indicating a broader Green Party agenda that challenges the established structures of the British state. He has previously called for the abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords, framing these as antiquated institutions.
Internal Party Dynamics and Referendum Strategy
The pronouncements by Polanski arrive as the Scottish Green Party navigates its own internal strategies. Reports from mid-October 2025 indicated that the Scottish Greens' co-leader, Gillian Mackay, had expressed reservations about John Swinney’s specific plans for delivering a second independence referendum. Mackay reportedly suggested that while there might be a "mandate now for a second referendum," her party's own strategy for achieving this was not clearly defined, leading to questions about their approach during the party's conference.
While the Scottish Greens have not overtly outlined a rival plan, Mackay had reportedly suggested that Polanski could be instrumental in securing future referendum opportunities. This notion, however, appears to stem from a place of perceived broader political influence rather than direct electoral power within Scotland, as Polanski is not an elected Member of Parliament.
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BACKGROUND:
The question of Scottish independence has been a recurring theme in British politics since devolution. A referendum held in 2014 saw 55% of Scots vote to remain part of the United Kingdom. However, the political landscape shifted significantly following the 2016 Brexit referendum, where Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, a result that has fueled renewed calls for independence and a second vote. The Green Party of England and Wales, while not directly involved in Scottish political affairs, has historically maintained a position of solidarity with independence movements in Scotland and Wales. Polanski's recent statements represent a more explicit and vocal endorsement than previously offered by leaders of the party.
