Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for calm after far-right figures, including Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson, sought to exploit the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak to stoke racial tensions. Starmer condemned Farage's call for "pure, cold rage," noting that Nowak's family explicitly asked for the case not to be used to target particular communities.
Starmer's Response
In a TV interview at Downing Street, Starmer said: "Nigel Farage is completely wrong to use this to try and create division. He would be wrong in any circumstances, but when Henry's family are saying, 'Please don't do that, it's our son,' then really, as politicians, as human beings, we should start where they start."
The Murder and Trial
Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who used a Sikh dagger in Southampton in December 2025. Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused and attacked by Nowak. Body camera footage released by Hampshire police showed Nowak being handcuffed despite repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed. An officer told him: "I don't think you have, mate." Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years.
Far-Right Exploitation
Farage, in what he called an "emergency address," argued that an excessive focus on racial equality could lead to "the destruction of society." He used the phrase "white lives matter," a slogan originating from US white nationalists. Tommy Robinson led a protest outside Southampton police station, with chants of "Racist police, off our streets" and signs including "Henry's blood is on your hands."
Police and Community Response
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the case, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expecting a report within three months. Sikh groups condemned the murder as "a moment of madness" and reported abuse against the community. Amandeep Singh from Basics of Sikhi said at least 15 people had been accosted on the streets and asked about carrying a kirpan.
Political Reactions
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for a proper IOPC investigation and warned against inflaming tensions. Kemi Badenoch also condemned Farage's address, saying: "What Nigel Farage is doing is reinforcing the difference. We need to find what we have in common." Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi accused Farage of trying to "politicise people's pain."
The incident has led police chiefs to review part of their anti-racism commitments after shadow home secretary Chris Philp claimed language in the NPCC's Race Action Plan could lead to bias. Chief constable Gavin Stephens said: "We are listening to legitimate concerns about how some of these commitments are worded or phrased, and where needed we can and will make changes."
