Starmer dismisses US ‘two-tier policing’ claims amid diplomatic tension over Nowak case
The US State Department has characterised the police handling of Henry Nowak’s death as a symptom of civilisational decline, prompting a firm rebuttal from Downing Street and calls for the US ambassador to be summoned by the Liberal Democrats.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly rejected allegations of two-tier policing in the United Kingdom following criticism from the US State Department regarding the police response to the murder of teenager Henry Nowak. Starmer stated that while the conduct of Hampshire police is under review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the UK policing system operates without fear or favour, regardless of external commentary.
The diplomatic friction intensified on Thursday night when the US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, posted on X describing the incident as a symptom of civilisational decline linked to ideological conditioning. The department offered condolences to the Nowak family but characterised the case as evidence of a divided justice system, a narrative that has been amplified by figures including Elon Musk and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy welcomed the US government’s expressions of sympathy but dismissed the characterisation of the UK criminal justice system as a caricature. Downing Street maintained that the relationship with the United States remains incredibly strong, declining to specify whether the US would be formally rebuked in diplomatic conversations despite the sharp divergence in views on the case.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the US ambassador to be summoned, citing flagrant foreign interference that seeks to fan the flames of division. Davey argued that the Trump administration is attacking British democracy openly on social media, urging the Prime Minister to show backbone and call out the blatant interference. Starmer himself accused Musk of interfering in UK politics by amplifying divisive narratives about the case.
Starmer met with Nowak’s family at Downing Street on Thursday to discuss the response to Hampshire police’s actions, promising to take whatever action is required to right the wrongs in the case. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently examining the behaviour of officers who handcuffed Nowak after he had been fatally stabbed, following the conviction of his killer, Vickrum Digwa.
In separate remarks addressing domestic political speculation, Starmer affirmed he would not step down from the Labour leadership if Andy Burnham wins a byelection and challenges for the position. He also outlined a defence investment plan prioritising national security and job creation, acknowledging that the extra £15bn in spending might require prioritisation that could impact pay.