EditStarmer government rejects JD Vance’s criticism of two-tier justice in UK student murder case
The U.S. Vice President wrote that Henry Nowak would still be alive if European leaders had resisted “the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants”
The UK government has firmly pushed back against comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the murder of British student Henry Nowak on “civilizational decline” and the “mass invasion of migrants.”
The controversy erupted after the conviction of Vikrum Digwa, a Sikh man sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Video footage showed police handcuffing the dying white teenager after his killer falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack. Officers appeared to ignore Nowak’s pleas for help as he lay bleeding.
In a strongly worded post on X, Vance wrote: “Henry Nowak died the same way a civilization dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit… Each time a life like his is lost, the proper response – the only response – is righteous anger.”
Vance added that Nowak would still be alive if European leaders had resisted “the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants.”
Starmer’s response
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded directly to Vance’s intervention, stating that the Nowak family does not want his death used to create further division or hatred. “We should respect their wishes. Even in the most terrible circumstances, our politics should bring people together. That is who we are as a country.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy echoed this on Sky News, welcoming U.S. condolences to the family but rejecting any suggestion of a “two-tier” criminal justice system in Britain. He described the portrayal as a “caricature” he did not recognise.
Starmer has previously said police have “serious questions to answer” about the incident and confirmed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct is underway. However, he has strongly condemned attempts to exploit the tragedy for political gain, including violent protests and online amplification by figures such as Nigel Farage and Elon Musk.
The case has intensified debate over claims of “two-tier policing” – the allegation that British police treat ethnic minorities more leniently due to fears of racism accusations. The government and police chiefs deny systemic bias, while critics argue the Nowak case is clear evidence of it.
This latest exchange highlights strained transatlantic relations under the current U.S. and UK administrations, coming amid ongoing differences over immigration, free speech, and foreign policy.
With Reuters
Caption: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs his official residence at 10 Downing Street to attend Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) at Parliament in London, Britain, 3 June 2026. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Updated: June 6, 2026 - 06:59
