Nigel Farage lashes out at ‘two-tier policing’ in furious PMQs clash with Keir Starmer | Politics | News
Nigel Farage has warned of more angry protests unless police chiefs remove anti-racism guidance telling officers to treat ethnic minorities differently. Reform UK leader tells PM at PMQs today “millions of people” believe “we live under two-tier policing”
In response, Sir Keir Starmer launched a deeply personal attack, claiming Mr Farage’s call for “outrage” in response to the death of Henry Nowak was “inexcusable”. Guidance given to police officers says ethnic minorities should be treated differently for better outcomes. While chiefs urgently review the “inept” statements, sources close to Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood insist everyone must be “equal before the law”.
Mr Farage asked: “Following the appalling circumstances of Henry Nowak’s death, may I urge the Prime Minister to consider this?
“It is now clear to millions growing up in this country that we live under a two-tiered policing system.
“Police bosses’ instructions to officers are clear and written in ink, saying you have to treat different ethnic groups differently.
“The sadness and anger at the circumstances of the death, as well as the anger that you saw boiling over in Southampton last night, is in danger of worsening if the public loses confidence that they will be treated fairly by the police.
“Can it end this divisive two-tier policing practice and ensure all British citizens are treated the same?”
Sir Keir responded: “I don’t believe we have two tiers of policing in this country.
“It really surprised me that Henry could pretend to respect his family and then act this way.
“They are a grieving family who want us not to react the way the Reform leader did, asking us not to.
“They lost their son in the most horrific situation. They make a simple request to us as human beings not to exploit this. This is their request to us. And we all need to reflect on these words from Henry’s father. “In fairness, my response, and the response of others, focused on the lessons to be learned so that we can achieve justice.
“His response was to resort to anger. Anger. That’s his response to a father who lost his son and didn’t want it to happen. Using this tragedy to create victimization and division would be wrong in any situation, but to do so when the family clearly says ‘please don’t’ is inexcusable. It shows exactly who he is.”
Policing minister Sarah Jones has admitted that a 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: “To ensure equality of policing outcomes for people from different ethnic groups by responding to individuals and communities according to their particular needs, circumstances and experiences, with the understanding that these will be racialized and with the aim of reducing harm.”
“This does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colorblind’ (racial equality).”
11 police officers and a police dog were injured in violence in Southampton on Tuesday night.
Hampshire Chief Constable Alexis Boon said some people “arrived with the clear intention of causing disorder and trouble” and that “we are having to deal with those determined to incite fear and division, while our limited resources are being taken away from those who need it most”.
But the Prime Minister described Tuesday’s unrest as “disgraceful”, saying there was no justification for further violence and mayhem following the murder of Henry Nowak.
Delivering the opening speech at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons: “Henry Nowak’s family showed extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances.
“He was obviously a kind, thoughtful and well-liked young man.
“There are serious questions that need to be answered, including how accusations of racism affect police thinking, and we support the IOPC to get to the bottom of what is going on.
“But whatever pain we feel, there is no justification for further violence and disorder. The attacks on police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable.
“This is a time for serious work, not anger. Let me be clear. As we have done before, we will ensure that anyone found involved in disorder will comply with the full force of the law.”
