Prime Minister accuses X owner of trying to stir division over murder case

The prime minister accused the X owner of trying to whip up division over the murder of Henry Nowak. The comments came during a visit to York on Thursday after bodycam footage of the incident was released. Violent protests broke out in Southampton after the footage showed police officers handcuffing the 18-year-old as he lay dying.

His killer, Vickrum Digwa, had claimed to be the victim of a racist attack.

Political reactions The X owner posted several times on the platform criticizing the police response. One post urged people to share the video and compared media coverage to the George Floyd case. The prime minister said the family had appealed for calm and that the country should respond reasonably.

He added that an investigation by the police watchdog was under way and that guidance on race was being reviewed. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch met the family on Thursday and called for cross-party work to rebuild trust in the police. She also said religious practices allowing weapons in public should be examined.

Family statement Henry Nowak's father, Mark, spoke outside court after Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. He said the family did not want the death used to create further division. At Prime Minister's Questions, the prime minister also accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of exploiting the case.

Farage had called for a response of "pure, cold rage" before later focusing on claims about unequal treatment under the law. Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe posted on X urging supporters not to attack police officers.