Reform UK Press Conference Amid Police Ruling

Reform UK is scheduled to hold a press conference on the morning of 30 July 2026. The event will feature Robert Jenrick, the party's Treasury spokesperson. Jenrick intends to speak about social care reform, following a speech made by Andy Burnham the previous day. However, other news stories are also expected to be raised.

Police Decision on Green Party Leader

A key topic at the press conference is likely to be the Metropolitan Police's decision regarding Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The police have stated they will not take further action against Polanski concerning a social media post. The post included an image of a man wearing a T-shirt with a guillotine graphic and the slogan "we're only making plans for Nigel".

The Metropolitan Police indicated that "it is unlikely that the sharing of the image online would constitute a criminal offence." In their assessment, the police noted that over 100 other individuals had also shared the post. Consequently, they concluded that pursuing an investigation against Polanski alone would be disproportionate, as would investigating every person who shared the image.

A spokesperson for Reform UK expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, claiming it demonstrated a "two-tier Britain." The Green Party, however, stated that it was clear from the outset that Polanski had not committed an offence. They suggested Reform UK was using the situation for political gain to divert attention from questions about the funding of Nigel Farage's party.

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Other Political Developments

The press conference takes place amidst other significant political announcements. Andy Burnham, in Cumbria on the morning of 30 July 2026, confirmed an £8bn spending plan. This funding is part of the next phase of the nuclear submarine replacement programme. Additionally, a byelection for a new mayor is underway in Greater Manchester, to elect a successor to Andy Burnham.

The Ministry of Justice is also scheduled to release figures concerning assaults and deaths within prisons in England and Wales at 9:30am on the same day. Separately, a Reform UK councillor from Sunderland has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media, reportedly containing a racist comment about Nigerians.