Greens slammed as 'dangerous idiots' over school terror talks

Source: telegraph.co.uk

TL;DR

The story at a glance

The Telegraph reports on Green Party draft policies to amend counter-terror laws for classroom talks on terrorism's "triggers", drawing sharp criticism from counter-extremism figures like Lord Walney as dangerously naive. Party leader Zack Polanski and experts are central, with the Greens defending it as a way to counter radicalisation. This emerges ahead of local elections on May 7, 2026, amid heightened scrutiny of extremism post recent arrests tied to pro-Palestine protests.[[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2197340/zack-polanski-greens-dangerous-idiots-radicalisation-terrorism)

Key points

Details and context

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a Prevent duty on schools to spot and stop radicalisation risks, restricting certain discussions to avoid promoting extremism. Greens argue current rules hinder open talks on motives, which they say could prevent radicalism, but critics fear it legitimises terrorist narratives amid recent arrests over Palestine Action support – a group proscribed under terrorism laws.[[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2197340/zack-polanski-greens-dangerous-idiots-radicalisation-terrorism)

The policy comes from party documents ahead of conference adoption, with Polanski noting the process suits a smaller party but strains now at over 226,000 members. Coverage highlights tensions in UK politics over balancing free speech and security post-October 2023 events.[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

Key quotes

“Bringing extremism and sympathy for terrorism into the classroom will be a red line for many voters, who might otherwise think the Greens are well-meaning or a breath of fresh air.” – Lord Walney, to The Telegraph[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

“Our policy-making process came about when we had something like 20,000 members. We just hit 226,000, so... it’s not working as well as it should.” – Zack Polanski, to Politico[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

Why it matters

The debate tests tensions between counter-radicalisation efforts and open education on extremism amid rising UK terror concerns. It could alienate voters wary of softening terror laws, affecting Green gains in May 2026 local elections. Watch if Polanski overhauls the policy or if it advances to conference, though changes remain uncertain.

FAQ

Q: What exact change does the Green Party propose to counter-terror laws?

A: Review provisions in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to enable school discussions on terrorism triggers, aiming to reduce hateful ideologies' influence. The party says this addresses radicalisation roots without expressing sympathy for terrorism.[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

Q: How do critics like Lord Walney respond to the proposal?

A: Walney warns it risks bringing extremism and sympathy for terrorism into classrooms, calling it unacceptable and a voter red line even for well-meaning Greens.[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

Q: What is Zack Polanski's stance on the party's policy process?

A: Polanski admits the process needs overhaul due to membership surging from 20,000 to 226,000, saying conference adoption no longer works well.[[2]](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greens-accused-of-policy-that-risks-promoting-sympathy-for-terrorism-in-schools/ar-AA21uepD)

Q: Why is this policy timing notable?

A: It draws attention before May 7, 2026 local elections, linked to recent arrests over banned group Palestine Action protests.[[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2197340/zack-polanski-greens-dangerous-idiots-radicalisation-terrorism)