Claim 022e4288Checked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“The family lost their son in the most appalling circumstances.”
—Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim refers to the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old Southampton University student who was killed on December 3, 2025. Multiple sources confirm the facts: Henry Nowak was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa using a ceremonial knife. Digwa then lied to police at the scene, falsely claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack. As a result, police arrested and handcuffed Henry Nowak as he lay dying on the ground, despite him repeatedly telling officers "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe," with one officer responding "I don't think you have, mate." Bodycam footage of this was later released, causing widespread outrage. The family described his treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading." Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. The IOPC is investigating police conduct, and Hampshire Police apologized for its handling of the incident.
The circumstances were indeed appalling: a young man was murdered, then handcuffed and treated as a suspect while dying, because his killer fabricated a false racism claim. The claim that "the family lost their son in the most appalling circumstances" is accurate and well-supported by all available evidence.
Sources:
- BBC News, "Henry Nowak deserves legacy that goes beyond tragedy, says PM" — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jvj9l8x4eo
- BBC News, "Two arrests as 11 officers hurt in Southampton Henry Nowak protests" — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd29nm161mo
- ABC News, "Keir Starmer urges calm after protests over handcuffed Henry Nowak's death" — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-04/starmer-urges-calm-after-protests-over-student-henry-nowak-death/106757326
- Politics Home, "Keir Starmer Accuses Nigel Farage Of 'Unforgiveable' Response To Henry Nowak Murder" — https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/keir-starmer-accuses-nigel-farage-unforgiveable-response-henry-nowak-murder
- GOV.UK, "PM meeting with the family of Henry Nowak: 4 June 2026" — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-the-family-of-henry-nowak-4-july-2026
- The Independent, "Starmer condemns 'disgraceful' attacks on police over Henry Nowak case" — https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/henry-nowak-keir-starmer-prime-minister-prime-npcc-b2988504.html
From speech
The grieving family have asked us not to respond in the way that the leader of Reform has responded. They have lost their son in the most appalling circumstances, and they make a simple plea of us as human beings to please not exploit that. We all need to reflect on the words of Henry’s father. My response—and the response of others, to be fair—has been focused on the lessons to be learned so that we can deliver justice. The hon. Gentleman’s response has been to appeal for rage. That is his response to a father who has lost his son and asked for that not to happen. Exploiting this tragedy to create grievance and division would be wrong in any circumstances, but to do it when the family are expressly saying, “Please don’t,” is unforgivable. It shows exactly who he is.
Sources opened
| [1] | youtube.com |
| [2] | politicshome.com |
| [3] | abc.net.au |
| [4] | gbnews.com |
| [5] | odt.co.nz |
| [6] | bbc.com |
| [7] | gov.uk |
| [8] | bbc.com |
| [9] | uk.news.yahoo.com |
| [10] | independent.co.uk |