Starmer urges calm after protests over handcuffed Henry Nowak's death

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned violent protests that erupted over the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who died in police custody. Starmer urged for calm and stated there is "no justification for more violence and disorder" after protesters clashed with police, injuring 11 officers in Southampton.

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There is no justification for more violence and disorder.

The protests were sparked by the death of Nowak last year and the subsequent sentencing of his killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23. Digwa had falsely accused Nowak of racist abuse during a street altercation. Disturbing footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying, repeatedly saying, "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe," while an officer responded dismissively.

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This is a time for serious work, not rage.

Starmer's remarks came in direct response to Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party, who had called for people to react to Nowak's murder with "pure cold rage." The Prime Minister countered that "this is a time for serious work, not rage," and expressed his belief that there is no "two-tier policing" in Britain, echoing the Nowak family's plea for his death not to be used to create division.

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We all need to reflect on those words of Henry's father.

Nowak's family described his treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading" but emphasized that his death should not be "used to create further division, hatred or tension." Court pathologists confirmed Nowak would have died from his injuries regardless of the police response. The case has intensified debates surrounding police conduct and ethnicity guidelines, with figures like Elon Musk amplifying claims of a two-tiered policing system influenced by diversity initiatives.

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I've been stabbed