UK PM Calls for Calm Amid Protests Over Student’s Death
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged calm following violent protests in Southampton related to the death of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying after his killer falsely claimed a racist attack. The incident, which has sparked a political controversy about police treatment of ethnic minorities, continues to resonate across the UK.
Nowak’s Sikh killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment after court findings confirmed that Nowak would have died at the scene regardless of the emergency response. The incident, captured on police body camera footage, depicts Nowak pleading that he could not breathe while being handcuffed, yet his pleas were reportedly dismissed by the officers present.
Violent demonstrations erupted on Tuesday night in Southampton, close to where Nowak was killed, resulting in clashes with police and injuries to 11 officers. Starmer condemned the violence, emphasizing that “there is no justification for more violence and disorder” and calling the moment one for “serious work, not rage.” His remarks were directed in part against right-wing Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, who had called the public to respond with “pure cold rage” over the case.
Nowak’s family described their son’s treatment by police as “inhumane and degrading,” but also appealed for the case not to be used to fuel division or hatred. Echoing their sentiment, Starmer highlighted the importance of reflecting on the family’s call for calm and stated he did not believe in the existence of “two-tier policing” in Britain.
The case has also prompted British police authorities to review existing guidelines related to handling ethnic minorities. These guidelines were previously created to address concerns over racism in policing, advising officers on treating different ethnicities with sensitivity. However, critics including Farage and some high-profile figures like Elon Musk have argued that such policies have fostered inequality and preferential treatment.
An independent investigation into police conduct in the Nowak case remains ongoing. Hampshire Police have apologized for their handling of the incident. One officer resigned last year, and together with three others, is currently classified as a witness in the investigation.
Farage has drawn parallels between Nowak’s case and the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the U.S., suggesting that the response in Britain has been less pronounced. Floyd’s death sparked the Black Lives Matter movement worldwide after his repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe” while restrained by police.
As the investigation continues, the UK government and law enforcement agencies face increasing pressure to address concerns raised by the case and its aftermath, aiming to restore public trust and ensure equitable treatment for all citizens.