Keir Starmer has indicated the United States may be seeking to influence British political affairs following remarks by Vice President JD Vance that connected the killing of teenager Henry Nowak to migration policies. The prime minister’s office issued a statement noting recent efforts by outsiders to disrupt democracy and encourage division without directly naming Vance. Downing Street stressed that the victim’s family wishes his death not be used to promote hatred or unrest and urged respect for those wishes. Officials added that politics should foster unity even amid tragedy. The case has generated significant attention after the conviction of Vickrum Digwa, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. US officials have portrayed the incident as evidence of declining standards in British policing. Starmer defended the principle of impartial law enforcement while agreeing that difficult questions about police actions should be addressed. The Liberal Democrats have urged that the US ambassador be called in over what they described as open foreign interference. Starmer has previously criticized external figures for attempting to exploit the case. The police watchdog is reviewing officer conduct at the scene. Starmer met the family and pledged to take necessary steps to address any shortcomings in the handling of the matter.
