Nigel Farage warned of more angry protests unless police chiefs scrap anti-racism guidance which tells officers to treat ethnic minorities differently. The Reform UK leader told the Prime Minister “millions” believe “we’re living under two-tier policing” at PMQs today
In response, Sir Keir Starmer launched a highly personal attack, claiming Mr Farage’s call for “rage” in response to the death of Henry Nowak was “unforgivable”. Guidance given to police officers says ethnic minorities must be treated differently to get them better outcomes. Chiefs are urgently reviewing the “clumsy” wording, with sources close to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood insisting everyone must be “equal in the eyes of the law”.
Mr Farage asked: “Following the horrendous circumstances of Henry Nowak’s death, can I urge the Prime Minister to consider this?
“It is now clear to growing millions in this country that we’re living under two-tier policing.
“The instructions that are given to police officers from police bosses are clear and written down in ink. It says you must treat different ethnic groups in different ways.
“That, apart from the upset and the anger at the circumstances of his death, the anger that you saw spilling out in Southampton last night, and which is in danger of getting considerably worse if the public lose trust in being treated fairly by the police.
“Can he end this divisive practice of two-tier policing, and make sure that all British citizens are treated the same?”
Sir Keir responded: “I don’t believe there’s two-tier policing in this country.
“I’m really shocked that he pretends to have respect for Henry’s family and then acts in this way.
“They are a grieving family who have asked us not to respond in the way that the leader of Reform has responded, they have asked us not to.
“They have lost their son in the most appalling circumstance. They make a simple plea of us as human beings to please not exploit that. That is their plea to us. And we all need to reflect on those words of Henry’s father. My response and the response of others, to be fair, has been focused on the lessons to be learnt so we can deliver justice.
“His response has been to appeal for rage. Rage. That’s his response to a father who’s 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 when the family are expressly saying ‘please don’t’ is unforgivable. It shows exactly who he is.”
Policing minister Sarah Jones admitted the controversial document drawn up by police chiefs telling officers to treat ethnic minorities differently “gives the wrong impression”.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council document states: “Producing equality of policing outcomes for people from different ethnic groups by responding to individuals and communities according to their specific needs, circumstances and experiences, with understanding that these will be racialised and with the aim of reducing harm.
“It does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).”
Eleven officers and a police dog were injured during the violence in Southampton on Tuesday night.
Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boon said some people “clearly arrived intent on causing disorder and trouble” and “while we are forced to deal with those determined to spark fear and division, our finite resources are taken away from those who need it most”.
But the Prime Minister said there is no justification for more violence and disorder following the murder of Henry Nowak, describing Tuesday’s disorder as “disgraceful”.
Opening Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: “Henry Nowak’s family have shown extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances.
“He was clearly a kind and 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 IOPC 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.”