Lammy Rejects Vance’s Immigration Claim
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy says he told JD Vance that his comments about Henry Nowak were wrong.
David Lammy told JD Vance that he was wrong to say that Henry Nowak’s murder was connected to immigration.
JD Vance said that Henry Nowak’s killing was a result of a large number of migrants coming to the country. He said that people should be very angry about it. David Lammy disagreed and said that Henry Nowak’s case had nothing to do with migration.
The Murder of Henry Nowak
What Happened in Southampton
Henry Nowak was a teenager who was killed in Southampton in December 2024. The person who killed him was Vickrum Digwa.
After the attack, Vickrum Digwa claimed that he had been treated unfairly because of his race and that he acted in self-defence. This claim was found to be false.
Vickrum Digwa was born in the UK and is a British citizen. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.
Police Response and Public Reaction
The police released video footage showing officers handcuffing Henry Nowak while he was seriously injured. At first, officers believed Vickrum Digwa’s version of events. Know more
The case sparked widespread debate about policing, knife crime, and racial bias. It also led to protests in Southampton.
Lammy and Vance Discuss the Case
A Direct Conversation
David Lammy said he spoke directly to JD Vance about the comments.
He said that he clearly told Vance that he disagreed with him. Although they held different views, Lammy described their discussion as constructive.
Lammy also said that he disagreed with JD Vance’s views about the decline of modern civilisation.
The Wishes of Henry Nowak’s Family
JD Vance was reminded by David Lammy that the tragedy was not intended to be used to create division by Henry Nowak’s family.
After Vickrum Digwa was sentenced, a request was made by Henry Nowak’s father that the case should not be allowed to fuel hatred or social tension.
The Relationship Between Lammy and Vance
Friends Despite Their Differences
Even though they disagreed on this issue, David Lammy said that he and JD Vance remain friends and colleagues.
The two have known each other for several years. JD Vance and his f amily also stayed with David Lammy at Chevening House during a visit to Britain. Read More
Investigation Into Police Actions
Review of Hampshire Police
The case has prompted further examination of how the police handled the incident.
The authorities are investigating Hampshire Police’s response. The chief constable has apologised for the decision to arrest and handcuff Henry Nowak. 
Debate Over Anti-Racism Guidance
National Police Chiefs’ Council Document
Attention has also focused on a document issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) about anti-racism.
Some critics, including Zia Yusuf of Reform UK, argue that the document may have influenced police decision-making during the incident.
The NPCC has announced that it is reviewing the wording of the document.
Zia Yusuf’s View
Zia Yusuf said that Reform UK has respected the wishes of Henry Nowak’s family.
It is believed by him that political action is needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He also argues that racism still exists within policing and says the NPCC document supports that view.
Lammy’s Response on Policing and Equality
Progress Made, But Challenges Remain
David Lammy disagrees with the claim that today’s police service is institutionally racist.
He said that racism within policing was a serious issue in the past, but believes significant progress has been made.However, he noted that
people from ethnic minority backgrounds are still more likely to be arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and imprisoned.
Lammy said that everyone should be treated equally under the law and that police must ensure fairness for all members of society
