Sir Keir Starmer has accused Nigel Farage of “stoking division” after the Reform UK leader cited Henry Nowak’s murder as an example of what he called “two-tier” policing.
The Prime Minister, who had earlier dismissed claims of “two-tier justice”, said Farage’s response was both unhelpful and disrespectful to the wishes of the victim’s family. Speaking to reporters, Starmer stressed that the focus should remain on those who have suffered the loss rather than on political arguments.
“I think Nigel Farage has got this wrong,” Starmer said. “The first people we should think about are Henry’s family. They have been through an absolutely devastating experience, and they have made it clear that they do not want this situation used to fuel political debate or division.”
He added that attempting to use such a tragic case to make broader political points was inappropriate, particularly when the family themselves had asked for restraint. “When Henry’s family are saying, ‘Please don’t do that, it’s our son,’ then we should listen to them. As politicians, and as human beings, we should respect their wishes and allow them the dignity and space they deserve.”
Starmer went on to argue that creating division in the aftermath of a tragedy helps no one and risks overshadowing the real issue — the loss of a young life and the grief being endured by those closest to him. He said public figures have a responsibility to approach such cases with care and sensitivity, rather than turning them into political flashpoints.
