UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed strong disapproval of US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks linking mass migration to the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student. Starmer emphasized the importance of respecting the wishes of Nowak’s family, who have asked that his death not be used to incite division or hatred.
Controversial Comments
The controversy arose after Vance attributed Nowak’s tragic death to the failure to control mass migration, suggesting that European leaders have failed to protect their citizens by allowing unchecked immigration. Vance’s comments were made on social media, where he argued that Nowak would still be alive if European elites had resisted what he described as a ‘mass invasion of migrants.’
In response, a spokesperson for Starmer warned against external influences attempting to interfere in UK democracy and create societal divisions. The spokesperson highlighted the family’s grief and their desire to prevent further tension arising from the incident.
Incident Details
Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh man, in December 2025. The case drew significant attention after it was revealed that police had mistakenly handcuffed Nowak as he lay dying, following Digwa’s false claim of being a victim of a racist attack. Digwa has since been convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The US Department of State also commented on the incident, suggesting that ‘two-tiered policing’ might have played a role. This term is often used by conservative figures to criticize perceived biases in law enforcement practices. However, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy refuted this characterization, stating that ongoing investigations are addressing any potential mistakes.
Political Reactions
Starmer’s government has been keen to distance itself from Vance’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of unity and cautioning against using the tragedy for political purposes. The incident has sparked a broader debate about immigration policies and their impact on national security, with differing opinions on how best to address these complex issues.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
