Starmer Addresses Policing Response to Henry Nowak Murder
Keir Starmer has dismissed allegations that the UK operates a system of "two-tier policing" following criticism from the US State Department regarding the handling of the murder case of teenager Henry Nowak.
The prime minister emphasized the necessity of scrutinizing police actions after officers handcuffed Nowak while he was dying from stab wounds. Nowak’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, had falsely accused him of racist abuse prior to the attack. Digwa was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Starmer confirmed that the police response to the incident is currently under review but rejected the US State Department’s characterization of UK policing. Speaking to LBC, he stated:
"It is really important that we are very, very clear, policing without fear or favour, whatever anybody else says, and wherever they’re saying it from, whichever country in the world."
US State Department Criticism and Political Reactions
On Thursday evening, the US State Department, led by Marco Rubio and responsible for foreign policy, issued a statement on social media platform X addressing the case. The department said:
"Ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilisational decline. They must be rejected across the West. The United States sends our condolences to the family of Henry Nowak and the people of the United Kingdom at this troubling time."
The Liberal Democrats have called for the US ambassador to the UK to be summoned in response to what they described as "flagrant foreign interference that seeks to fan the flames of division." Party leader Ed Davey accused the Trump administration of openly attacking UK democracy on social media, stating:
"Starmer needs to show some backbone and call this out today. We can’t turn a blind eye to this blatant interference any longer."
Downing Street, however, maintained that the UK-US relationship remains "incredibly strong" despite differing views on policing. Officials declined to comment on whether the US would be formally rebuked in diplomatic discussions.
Context of the Murder and Claims of Ideological Bias
The murder of the 18-year-old student has been cited by some as evidence of "two-tier policing"—the notion that certain groups face harsher treatment for ideological reasons.
Elon Musk, owner of X, and Reform UK leader have suggested that the circumstances surrounding Nowak’s death in Hampshire indicate bias against white individuals. Both have faced criticism for allegedly exploiting the teenager’s death for political purposes.
David Lammy, the UK’s deputy prime minister, welcomed the US government’s condolences but rejected the portrayal of Britain as having a two-tier criminal justice system. Speaking to on Friday, he said he did not recognize this characterization.
Starmer condemned attempts to create division, stating on Thursday:
"We must not allow this tragic case to be used to sow discord or division within our society."
Musk, known for posting ethnonationalist content and supporting the hard-right party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, has frequently posted about Nowak’s murder on his social media platform. His posts often incorporate far-right themes and talking points.
Investigation into Police Conduct and Government Response
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the actions of officers who handcuffed Nowak after he had been fatally stabbed.
Starmer met with Nowak’s family at Downing Street on Thursday to discuss the police response. He described the meeting as "profoundly humbled" and pledged to take "whatever action is required to right the wrongs in this case."
Starmer on Political Leadership and Defence Investment
Earlier, the prime minister addressed speculation about his position should Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham re-enter parliament via a by-election and challenge his leadership. Starmer affirmed:
"I’ve said over and over again, I’m not going to walk away."
He also outlined his forthcoming defence investment plan, promising it would generate more jobs across the UK. However, he did not exclude the possibility of pay cuts to fund an additional £15 billion in defence spending.
Speaking to LBC, Starmer stressed the importance of preparing for potential conflict:
"I’ve always said we’re going to have to spend more on defence, and so we will set out the funding in relation to defence investment plan. It is about a question of priorities, and this is the top priority.
I think everybody watching or listening to this will know in their heart of hearts that that has to be the top priority, defending our country, particularly at the moment. It does come with huge opportunities, because I’m absolutely determined that every penny that we spend extra on defence, and we will, has to be seen in jobs and opportunities across the country, in every community."
