Downing Street has rejected criticism from the US State Department over alleged 'two-tier policing' in the UK following the murder of teenager Henry Nowak. The State Department had posted on social media that 'ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilisational decline' and offered condolences to Nowak's family.
A No 10 spokesperson said the government did not recognise the State Department's position, echoing comments from Justice Secretary David Lammy, who stated the criticism did not align with his experience. The Liberal Democrats condemned the US remarks as 'flagrant foreign interference' and called for the US ambassador to be summoned.
The controversy stems from the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed by Hampshire police as he lay dying from stab wounds. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely accused Nowak of racist abuse and was later jailed for life. Some figures, including Elon Musk and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, have claimed the incident shows bias against white people.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Nowak's family on Thursday and promised to take action over the police's conduct. The police watchdog is investigating the officers who handcuffed Nowak. Meanwhile, 11 police officers and a police dog were injured in protests in Southampton linked to the case.
Despite the disagreement, No 10 insisted the UK-US relationship remains 'incredibly strong' and declined to comment on potential diplomatic rebukes. The State Department's post was made by the department led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
