UK PM Keir Starmer tells Elon Musk to stop interfering after Henry Nowak murder

Eighteen‑year‑old Henry Nowak died in December 2025 after being handcuffed by police while he was bleeding out from stab wounds inflicted by 23‑year‑old Sikh man Vickrum Digwa. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Body‑cam footage showing Nowak pleading for help while handcuffed sparked public outrage and violent protests in Southampton, injuring police officers.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the disorder, calling it “unforgivable” to exploit the tragedy, and emphasized that the Nowak family asked that their son’s death not be used to fuel division. Starmer also criticised billionaire Elon Musk for repeatedly posting on X about the case, accusing him of “interfering” and “whipping up division” in British politics. Musk’s more than 110 posts have alleged police bias against whites and questioned policing policies.

Other foreign figures, including U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance, have used the incident to criticize immigration, prompting Starmer’s office to denounce attempts to politicise the murder. Far‑right politicians such as Nigel Farage have also framed the case as evidence of “two‑tier policing”. An Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation is under way, while Starmer called for unity and calm in the nation.