Andy Burnham is poised to intervene in the contentious 'two-tier policing' debate that has erupted following the death of Henry Nowak. The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed, and bodycam footage showed him repeatedly telling officers he could not breathe while being handcuffed. Police ignored his pleas after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he had been racially abused by the teenager.
Political Reactions and Tensions
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for 'pure cold rage' in response to Nowak's treatment, alleging it evidenced a 'two-tier culture'. His remarks were condemned by political opponents for stoking racial tensions, especially after riots in Southampton near the murder scene in December. Reform has denied exploiting Nowak's death for political gain in the Makerfield by-election, where Burnham is Labour's candidate.
Burnham's Response and Family's Plea
Following clashes between Keir Starmer and Farage during Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham urged all politicians to 'respect' the words of Nowak's family, who warned against using the tragedy to create 'further division, hatred or tension'. Burnham stated he would 'set out' a further response on Thursday. In a post on X, he expressed distress over Nowak's treatment and said he had spoken to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.
Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is standing in the Makerfield by-election on June 18, aiming to return to the House of Commons. He has described the contest as 'the most consequential of our lives' and hinted at challenging Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. He is scheduled to appear on a special episode of BBC's Question Time alongside Reform's candidate Robert Kenyon.
