Green Party leader acknowledges a wording mistake about his involvement with British Red Cross fundraisers and clarifies he only spoke on stage about humanitarian issues
The leader of the Green Party has told the BBC that he made an unfortunate choice of words when discussing his past appearances at charity events and that he accepts responsibility for that mistake. While answering questions about material that surfaced from his time campaigning to become deputy leader in 2026, Mr Polanski explained the nature of his involvement with the British Red Cross.
He emphasized that his role focused on speaking about humanitarian matters and did not imply the charity endorsed any political organisation.
In his statement, the leader described how he took part in and helped organise what he labelled as fundraisers on behalf of the charity, but clarified the distinction between attending or hosting events and soliciting formal backing.
He also confirmed steps were taken to remove any content that could suggest the charity was supporting a political campaign. The explanation aimed to draw a clear line between public-facing advocacy for relief efforts and partisan activity.
What he said about his role at the events
Describing his appearances, Mr Polanski told reporters that he would go on stage to speak about the work of the British Red Cross, including responses to global humanitarian crises, the climate crisis, and assistance for refugees. He said those public remarks were intended to highlight urgent issues and to encourage support for the charity’s relief work. He also acknowledged that he had used the wrong terminology when framing his participation, saying: “I used the wrong word, and I accept that.” That admission formed the core of his clarification to the media.
Why the distinction matters
Charities such as the British Red Cross are governed by rules that restrict formal political endorsements, and the leader stressed the importance of maintaining that separation. He noted that charities must remain nonpartisan to retain public trust and to continue operating across varied communities. According to his account, any materials or posts that might have suggested party support were removed once the issue was raised, and he reiterated his commitment to those nonpartisan principles while defending his intent to speak about humanitarian causes.
Campaign context
The remarks come from the period when he was campaigning to become the party’s deputy leader, a time when public appearances and fundraising activities can attract scrutiny. In that context, he said he hosted and participated in events to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian relief, rather than to solicit formal political backing. He told the BBC that he would often introduce the charity’s work on stage and that his role was to amplify urgent appeals for help, not to blur the line between charitable advocacy and partisan support.
Actions taken after the controversy
Responding to criticism, the leader confirmed that potentially misleading content has been taken down and reiterated that he accepts responsibility for his wording. He emphasised that the British Red Cross does not support any political party and said he took steps to ensure no impression of endorsement remained. The leader’s statement seeks to reassure both supporters of the charity and party members that the incident was a matter of phrasing rather than an attempt to involve the charity in political campaigning.
What to watch next
As this clarification circulates, observers will likely monitor any follow-up from the British Red Cross, the Green Party, and media outlets for further context or official responses. The leader’s acceptance of a wording error may satisfy some commentators, but others may press for more detailed accounts of how the events were presented and promoted during the 2026 campaign. For now, Mr Polanski‘s statement and the removal of contentious content form the immediate response, and this remains a developing story.
