In a bold move, Zack Polan ki, the leader of the Green party in the UK, has advocated for a significant shift in the country’s defence and foreign policy. In an exclusive interview with The Update Desk, Polan ki expressed his belief that Britain should consider expelling US forces from its military bases and reduce its reliance on American military cooperation.
Polan ki’s comments come at a time of heightened transatlantic tensions, with the US President, Donald Trump, threatening to impose tariffs on European countries and even considering an invasion of Greenland. The Green party leader argued that the UK has become too dependent on American interests, a situation he described as “pretty worrying.”
“We should be reviewing US bases on UK soil, and actually looking at a genuine strategic defence review,” Polan ki told The Update Desk’s Politics Weekly podcast. He went on to say that he supports the UK leaving NATO, a stance that is not currently official Green party policy.
Polan ki’s criticisms of the US extend beyond its current leadership, as he also raised concerns about the country’s “complicity or active enabling” of the “genocide in Gaza.” He argued that it is not about “comparing things” but rather addressing the broader issues of concern.
The Green party leader’s comments have sparked a debate within the UK political landscape. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has attempted to strike a more conciliatory tone, warning against the threat of a trade war with the US while expressing confidence that the current tensions can be resolved through “calm discussion.”
However, Polan ki accused Starmer of “putting his eggs in the basket of being on the good side of Donald Trump,” arguing that the UK should wean itself off US arms imports even if it puts the wider £331bn trading relationship at risk.
Polan ki also defended his proposal for a wealth tax, which he believes would raise between £15bn and £25bn per year. He dismissed concerns about wealthy individuals leaving the country, stating that the goal is not just about raising revenue but also tackling inequality.
As the UK navigates the complex geopolitical landscape, Polan ki’s call for a significant shift in the country’s defence and foreign policy has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate.
