Claim c04f6985Checked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“Henry’s father has lost his son, Henry.”
—Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim that "Henry's father has lost his son, Henry" refers to the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old Southampton university student who was stabbed and killed by Vickrum Digwa on December 3, 2025. Henry's father, Mark Nowak, has spoken publicly multiple times — outside court after the sentencing, and in statements quoted widely by BBC News, The Independent, The Standard, and other outlets. Mark Nowak described his son's treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading," stated that "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," and made the plea: "We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension." The fact that Henry Nowak died and that Mark Nowak is his grieving father is thoroughly corroborated by multiple independent news sources and court proceedings.
Sources: BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crlpyw05l75o), BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8pn9ng5zlo), The Independent (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/henry-nowak-stabbing-bodycam-footage-b2987698.html), The Standard (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-prime-minister-shabana-mahmood-nigel-farage-b1284565.html)
From speech
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this really important case. My thoughts are with Henry’s family, as are the thoughts of the whole House and the whole country, I am sure. I have watched the bodycam footage, as others will have done, and I found it really hard. It was harrowing. As a dad of a 17-year-old boy, I felt sick. I can only imagine how devastated his family are. It is extremely moving. Henry’s life has been stolen. His family have responded with incredible and immense dignity and bravery. There clearly are lessons that need to be learned and serious questions that need to be addressed, not least the question of how accusations of racism informed decision making in such cases. Henry’s father said this: “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.” They are the words of a grieving father who has lost his son. I think those words have resonated with people across the country. We must not allow this tragedy to be hijacked by anyone who seeks to divide us.
Sources opened
| [1] | bbc.co.uk |
| [2] | independent.co.uk |
| [3] | bbc.com |
| [4] | bbc.co.uk |
| [5] | standard.co.uk |
| [6] | independent.co.uk |
| [7] | bbc.com |
| [8] | youtube.com |
| [9] | bbc.com |
| [10] | standard.co.uk |