Southampton riots: Policing minister orders review of anti-racism guidance as justice process unfolds
Two arrests made in connection with unrest following the death of Henry Nowak, whose killer was jailed for life on Monday
Policing minister Sarah Jones has condemned the recent violence in Southampton and announced that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is conducting a review of the police anti-racism commitment document. Jones stated that the current language within the guidance is inappropriate, though she acknowledged the necessity of addressing the historical prevalence of racism within policing institutions.
The riots erupted following the death of Henry Nowak, who died from a stab wound while handcuffed. The individual responsible for Nowak’s death was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed profound disgust at video footage of the incident, noting that a police officer had been informed of a racist assault but ignored Nowak’s pleas for assistance while he lay dying.
Jones told Times Radio that the government is urging the public to channel their anger without over-reacting, echoing the requests made by Nowak’s family. She emphasised that the justice system must be allowed to proceed without further disruption. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the riots: one for assaulting a police officer and another for possession of a weapon.
The decision to review the anti-racism document follows criticism from Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who claimed the guidance urged forces to reverse-engineer arrest rates between ethnic groups. While the document does not explicitly state this, it calls for equality of policing outcomes, a point Philp argued was morally wrong. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood provided a non-committal response to these criticisms in the Commons yesterday.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Jones clarified the government’s position, stating that while the long history of racism in policing must be acknowledged and addressed through training, the current document’s language is not right. The NPCC is now tasked with reassessing the guidance to ensure it aligns with current governmental standards.
The political calendar for the day includes Prime Minister’s Questions, where Starmer is expected to face questions from Kemi Badenoch. Later, MPs will debate the Peter Mandelson files, and the Climate Change Committee will provide evidence on extreme weather. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also scheduled to speak at a conference on the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
Mahmood issued a separate statement regarding the events in Southampton, reinforcing the government’s stance on the rule of law. The focus now remains on the judicial process and the internal review of policing protocols to prevent future controversies regarding institutional conduct and community relations.