Downing Street has condemned "people trying to interfere in our democracy and seeking to stir up division" following remarks by US Vice President JD Vance about the fatal stabbing of British student Henry Nowak.
In a post on X, Vance blamed the 18-year-old's death on a "mass invasion of migrants" and declared that "the only response is righteous anger." However, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the convicted killer, Vickrum Digwa, was born in Britain.
A Downing Street spokesperson responded by stating that the Nowak family "have said they do not want his death to be used to create further division." The spokesperson added: "Our politics should bring people together even in the most terrible of circumstances. That is who we are as a country."
Vance's post echoed a US State Department statement that criticized "ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing" as "glaring symptoms of civilizational decline." The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the release of bodycam footage showing police handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying after Digwa falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist attack. The footage sparked violent protests in Southampton, during which 11 officers and a police dog were injured. Three men have since pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had earlier accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of attempting to "whip up division" over the case. Minister for Children Josh MacAlister also criticized Vance, telling BBC Radio 4: "I don't think we need advice from American politicians... on how to have effective policing here in the UK."
Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder, using a 21cm blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith. The case has reignited debates over knife laws, race, policing, and public trust.
Vance's comments appear partly aimed at a US audience, as President Donald Trump pursues aggressive deportation policies. The UK government has stressed continued security cooperation despite the diplomatic friction.
Opposition leaders also weighed in. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged resistance against attempts to politicize Nowak's death, whether from "MAGA politicians like Vance or their cronies here in the UK." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized police, citing claims of "two-tier policing," a notion rejected by West Midlands Police acting chief Scott Green.
Additional reporting by Jamie Whitehead