𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A Conservative MP has called for a ban on foreign languages being used in election campaigns, labelling it “divisive nonsense”. Katie Lam, MP for Weald of Kent, made the comments in response to a video of Zack Polanski speaking in Bengali ahead of the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

The Green Party leader previously sparked a debate after sharing videos of him speaking in French and Urdu as he attempts to reach voters in different languages. Responding to Mr Polanski’s latest campaign video, Ms Lam wrote on X: “People are fed up of this divisive nonsense. We must ban foreign language campaigning.” So what do you think? Should foreign languages be banned in election campaigns? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section.

Ms Lam argued that when candidates campaign in foreign languages, it is “impossible for most people to understand the promises that they make”.

“And far too often, it’s used to pander to group-based grievances,” she added.

Mr Polanski, who has never been an MP before, is standing against 14 other candidates.

In the video, he said in Bengali: “I’m Zack Polanski and I’m standing to be the MP for Holborn and St Pancras.

“The Green Party has forced Labour to change some of their most unpopular policies. Vote Green on 8th October.”

The video was posted with the caption “Vote for Green on 8 October”, which was also written in Bengali.

When the Green Party leader asked a question about data centres, Lord Khan responded in Urdu — the national language of Pakistan.

According to a translation from the Mayor’s office, Lord Khan said: “Peace be upon you. I was worried that you would ask the question in Urdu, but you asked your question in English.

“I’ll be spending time in Holborn and St Pancras this week and I’m going to be there. Maybe we will meet there.”

The Greens also campaigned in foreign languages for the Gorton and Denton by-election in February which was won by the party’s Hannah Spencer.