Henry Nowak murder fuels UK political debate and review of Sikh knife exemption

Eighteen‑year‑old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in December 2025 by Vickrum Digwa, who was later sentenced at Southampton Crown Court to life imprisonment with a 21‑year minimum. Body‑camera footage shows police handcuffing Digwa as he lay on the ground despite pleas that he was being stabbed. Digwa’s family apologized to the Nowak family and asked that the tragedy not be used to inflame community divisions.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seized on the case during Prime Minister’s Questions, describing it as proof of a "two‑tier" justice system and calling for an end to "anti‑white prejudice" and diversity policies. He urged a review of the Sikh religious exemption that allows ceremonial knives to be carried in public. Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones announced a national review of knife‑carrying exemptions, while Labour minister Nick Thomas‑Symonds called the footage "every parent’s nightmare" and said the Independent Office for Police Conduct will investigate the police response. The incident has become a focal point in the Makerfield by‑election, with Farage’s comments drawing heckles from MPs.