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Lammy challenges Vance's comments on fatal stabbing
British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy directly told US Vice-President JD Vance his remarks about the murder of teenager Henry Nowak were incorrect, following Vance's claim the killing stemmed from "mass migration".
Background to the killing
Eighteen-year-old Henry Nowak died after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton last December. Digwa, a British-born man, falsely claimed he acted in self-defence after allegedly suffering racial abuse. Bodycam footage later showed police handcuffing Nowak as he lay fatally wounded, while Digwa insisted to officers he was the victim.
Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, which he attempted to justify by citing religious reasons linked to his Sikh faith.
Vance's remarks spark diplomatic tension
On Friday, Vance posted on X that Nowak's death symbolised a broader collapse of Western civilisation, blaming "European elites" for failing to resist "the mass invasion of migrants". He described the killing as both "tragic and enraging", arguing Nowak would still be alive if leaders had resisted migration policies.
Lammy responded by phoning Vance on Saturday, telling the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg he had stated plainly: "I told him he was wrong."
"This has got nothing to do with mass migration," Lammy said, adding that the conversation remained "agreeable" despite their disagreement.
David Lammy, UK Deputy Prime Minister
Lammy noted that Nowak's family had publicly urged calm, a point he raised with Vance during their discussion.
Political fallout and police scrutiny
Downing Street condemned attempts to "interfere in UK democracy" or "stir division" in response to Vance's comments. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Hampshire Police's handling of the case, after the force's chief admitted regret over officers handcuffing Nowak as he died.
A National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) document on racial equality has also faced criticism. The guidance, which argues racial equality does not mean "treating everyone the same", will be reviewed following the backlash. Reform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf claimed the document directly influenced the police response to Nowak's killing, alleging institutional racism within forces.
Lammy acknowledged racial disparities in the criminal justice system but stated policing had moved beyond the "institutional racism" of the past.
Personal ties amid political strain
Despite their public disagreement, Lammy and Vance share a long-standing friendship, forged when Lammy was an opposition MP and Vance a newly elected US senator. Last summer, Vance and his family stayed at Lammy's grace-and-favour residence, Chevening, during a UK visit.
However, UK-US relations have faced recent strain, particularly over Britain's decision not to join US military action in the Gulf during the Iran conflict.
