Murder of Henry Nowak

Baroness Fox of Buckley Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

My noble friend brings great experience from policing to this debate. I say to him that there will obviously be an IOPC investigation that will investigate not just the issues in the footage we have seen but the initial call, how the call was handled, what happened between the call and arrival at the scene, and what happened at the scene and afterwards. I can make comments on what that investigation might show, but it is important that the IOPC and I have the full facts before we make decisions. However, one thing is certain: lessons will be learned and adopted in the guidance that the National Police Chiefs’ Council will issue. Also, any report from that incident will provide some potential areas for future change in policy or operational issues.

[Baroness Fox of Buckley (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, close to the end, the Minister said that this has nothing to do with racism, but it does, because the murderer played the race card and the police believed the murderer and his family about racism rather than the dying Henry, who, because of those accusations, died thinking that the state thought he was a racist bigot. Imagine that. It is so much of a tragedy, rage does not even do it.

Does the Minister acknowledge the number of former and present front-line police officers who are now reporting that the fear of career-ending accusations of racism is shaping operational decisions? Hampshire Police leadership said that anti-racism and being ethical and inclusive are its top priorities as a police force—over, by the way, keeping people safe or fighting crime. Surely this demands more than just tweaking the guidance or stating that “lessons must be learned”—a phrase I have heard in this House many a time, without lessons being learned.

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

Incidents happen, and Governments have to reflect upon what has happened as a result of those incidents. We await an IOPC investigation, and it would be wrong of me to comment on or colour that investigation prior to it happening. With the National Police Chiefs’ Council, we have already examined the current guidance it has published, and it is now looking at what guidance it needs. We will also be looking at other issues. For example, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary will discuss the issue of the kirpan with the Sikh community and the police. We will consult on and discuss those issues in non-judgmental way. There are a range of issues, but those who have come to speedy judgment need to reflect upon the fact that Governments need to reflect, because Governments and the police provide policy for the long term, not for the moment.