Claim cbfaf28fChecked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“The Government is supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct to get to the bottom of what happened.”
Interpreted asidiom
“The Government is supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct to establish what happened.”
—Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim that the Government is supporting the IOPC's investigation into the death of Henry Nowak is accurate. The IOPC has confirmed it is conducting an independent investigation into the actions of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers who dealt with Henry Nowak before his death on 3 December 2025. The investigation has since expanded and two officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct (IOPC press release, 1 July 2026). The BBC reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was "right" the IOPC was investigating and that the investigation must be "carried out as quickly as possible and answers delivered." The Standard reported that Starmer told Cabinet it was "right that the IOPC was investigating the police response," confirming government backing for the investigation. While the IOPC is statutorily independent and the government cannot direct the investigation, the claim refers to political and institutional support/cooperation, which is corroborated by the PM's public statements and the fact that the IOPC investigation is actively underway and acknowledged by the government. No evidence contradicts this.
Sources: IOPC press release "IOPC investigating conduct of two officers in Henry Nowak case" (https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-investigating-conduct-two-officers-henry-nowak-case); BBC News "Henry Nowak arrest footage raises 'serious questions for police', PM says" (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8pn9ng5zlo); The Standard "Starmer urges quick police watchdog probe into Henry Nowak murder" (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-shabana-mahmood-cabinet-sikh-prime-minister-b1284513.html); BBC News "Two officers in Henry Nowak case investigated for gross misconduct" (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6ezln069vo)
From speech
May I also pay tribute to Lord Haselhurst? I know he will be deeply missed, particularly on the Benches opposite. The findings of the recent Springhill inquest into the tragic deaths, in July 1972, of Father Noel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, Margaret Gargan, David McCafferty and John Dougal are sobering. While the circumstances in which the events occurred were undoubtedly challenging, it is the duty of the state to hold itself to the highest standard. The Government accept and deeply regret these findings, and recognise their gravity. On behalf of the Government, I apologise unreservedly to the families for what happened and for the grief and trauma they have endured since the tragic deaths of their loved ones. I also place on record our deepest condolences to the family of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died in a tragic accident on Sunday. I am also aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon. This will be a deeply worrying time for the families, and more information will be set out as soon as possible. Henry Nowak’s family have shown extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances. He was clearly a kind, thoughtful and much-loved young man. There are serious questions to answer, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and we are supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct to get to the bottom of what happened. But no matter the pain we feel, there is no justification for more violence and disorder. The attacks directed towards police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable. This is a time for serious work, not rage. Let me be clear: we will ensure that anyone found engaging in disorder meets the full force of the law, as we have done before. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
Sources opened
| [1] | policeconduct.gov.uk |
| [2] | bbc.co.uk |
| [3] | independent.co.uk |
| [4] | aljazeera.com |
| [5] | bbc.com |
| [6] | bbc.com |
| [7] | standard.co.uk |
| [8] | bbc.co.uk |