Instead of politicising Henry Nowak's death ...

We have all been deeply moved by the dreadful murder of student Henry Nowak in Southampton. His murderer, a British Sikh, was jailed last week. He and his brother had falsely claimed that Henry had racially abused him, and police bodycam footage shows Henry being handcuffed and disbelieved when he repeatedly cried out he had been stabbed and couldn’t breathe.

This is a horrific, awful event. There is no doubt that it was a shocking example of poor policing, and all of us who have watched the footage or read the details should absolutely be angry about it.

But because it involved an ethnic minority perpetrator and a white victim, it has caused fury among those who believe that Britain is subject to "two-tier policing" – alleging that minorities are treated more favourably by police. Police anti-racism guidance states that a commitment to racial equity "does not mean treating everyone the same". This guidance is now under review, but it’s worth saying that it was introduced to try and address the fact that ethnic minorities are actually disproportionately stopped and searched by police – indeed, a response to the evidence that two-tier policing had indeed been a reality in the past, but where some ethnic minorities were treated much worse than white people.

Critics suggest that British police are so anxious not to be seen as racist, they overcompensate and, in this case, believe the murderer over the victim. From what I have read, the facts are complex and under investigation, and I would caution against taking one case as indicative of the whole system.

'Hijacked by those seeking to whip up anger and unrest'

Henry’s father expressed huge dignity in stating that his son’s treatment was “inhumane and degrading” but that the grieving family did not want his death “to be used to create further division, hatred or tension”.

Despite this call, unrest broke out in Southampton. Tommy Robinson and his followers attended. Missiles were thrown and police officers were injured. Meanwhile Reform Leader Nigel Farage called on people to respond with “pure, cold rage” and warned that the violence would get worse. Police officers wrongly identified as being on the scene have been subjected to terrible threats and forced into hiding. And across the Atlantic, both Elon Musk and JD Vance have weighed in.

It’s clear that this terrible incident has been hijacked by those seeking to whip up anger and unrest. Social media has such power to intensify hatred, and those who already believe that those in authority are deceiving them, will see this as a vindication of their views.

Racial tensions in the UK are already high. Jewish people are experiencing appalling antisemitism, and there is increased hostility against Muslim communities too. Now Sikhs – a traditionally peaceful community, whose members have contributed to British life in many ways including in the armed forces in both world wars – are afraid of a backlash because of the actions of one individual.

Navigating the news

How can Christians be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves when trying to navigate this sea of complexity and emotion? Whether you are more comfortable with traditionalist or "progressive" views, we are all inclined to make quick judgments when angered, and we are often steered by social media algorithms towards a version of the truth that fits with our browsing habits.

Firstly, let’s try not to jump to conclusions when we do not possess all the information. It is easy to base our opinions on gut feelings. This was a truly shocking example of policing but can we say it was representative of every interaction?

Secondly, let’s be aware of where we seek our information. Do we make much attempt at seeking balance or understanding other opinions in our news sources? Are the "facts" that we are presented with checkable?

Thirdly, let’s try to be curious about other points of view. We should seek to understand why people on the other side of the debate are angry. Most people want to see justice done, and we must recognise that there are legitimately different approaches to achieving this.

But let me be clear that for elected politicians to seek to perpetuate hostility amongst different groups in society is calculated, irresponsible and dangerous. It should have no place in our political system, and the Prime Minister was right to condemn Mr Farage for this in the Commons last week. When people seek to demonise their opponents and put them beyond the pale as human beings, it gets easier to treat them as less deserving of our respect and compassion. But we are all made in the image of God.

Let’s remember Henry Nowak’s family and pray for them. And if you, like me, are deeply concerned about the state of our nation today, let’s take our lament to God and pray in the words of Amos 5v24, that “justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

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