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Downing Street rejects Vance's comments on Nowak killing
The UK government has sharply criticized US Vice-President JD Vance for linking the fatal stabbing of British student Henry Nowak to migration, calling such statements attempts to "interfere in our democracy" and "stir up division."
Family's plea for unity
A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that Nowak's family had explicitly asked for his death not to be exploited for political division. "Our politics should unite people, even in the most tragic circumstances. That defines who we are as a nation," the statement said.
Timeline of the attack
Nowak, 18, was stabbed to death on December 3 last year in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who wielded a 21cm blade he claimed was part of his Sikh faith. Digwa, sentenced to life with a minimum 21-year term, falsely accused Nowak of a racist attack, leading police to handcuff the dying student. Bodycam footage of the incident sparked violent protests in Southampton on Tuesday.
Vance's controversial remarks
In a post on X, Vance blamed Nowak's death on a "mass invasion of migrants," calling it a symptom of Europe's decline. "He would still be alive if elites had resisted the politics of self-hatred and migration," Vance wrote, framing the killing as both "tragic and enraging." He also claimed Nowak died "abandoned and handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him."
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed Digwa was born British, contradicting Vance's migration narrative.
Political fallout in the UK
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded an "independent rapid review" into the circumstances of Nowak's death, writing to Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the case raised "profound questions" about public trust in policing and institutions. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is already investigating officers' actions, while an inquest jury will next year examine whether police delays contributed to Nowak's death.
Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister condemned Vance's remarks on BBC Radio 4, accusing him of importing "toxic politics" into the UK. "We don't need advice from American politicians on effective policing," he said.
Elon Musk and Reform UK amplify tensions
Tech billionaire Elon Musk faced criticism from Starmer for "whipping up division" after sharing the bodycam footage and accusing police of "kowtowing" to Digwa. Musk contrasted the media's coverage of George Floyd's 2020 death with its silence on Nowak's case, reigniting debates over racial bias in policing.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed Vance's rhetoric, claiming the incident reflected "two-tier policing"-a disputed theory that officers treat minority groups preferentially to avoid racism allegations. Acting West Midlands Police Chief Constable Scott Green rejected the claim, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged resistance to attempts to "politicise Nowak's death."
US-UK diplomatic strain
Vance's comments align with Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies, a central theme of his second-term agenda. Republicans Overseas spokesperson Jennifer Ewing defended Vance on BBC Radio 4, framing his remarks as concern for UK citizens' voices on "free speech and unfettered immigration."
Downing Street's swift response reflects efforts to preempt further unrest, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of police conduct since the Iran war began. Despite tensions, the government stressed ongoing security cooperation with the US.
"When you make extremist statements without evidence, you fuel the division Henry Nowak's family explicitly rejected," Labour peer Thangam Debbonaire told the Today programme.
